Dried Apricots: A Golden Gem in Bulk Trade

The Timeless Value of Dried Apricots

Dried apricots are among the most iconic dried fruits in global trade — a true symbol of Mediterranean agriculture. Their vivid orange hue, soft texture, and naturally sweet flavor have made them a favorite among importers, wholesalers, and food manufacturers worldwide.

From large-scale bakery producers to health food brands and private-label packers, bulk dried apricots continue to hold a special place in the international dried fruit market.

A Historical Staple of Mediterranean Trade

Turkey is the world’s largest producer and exporter of dried apricots, supplying over 80% of global demand. The fertile Malatya region, blessed with ideal climate and soil, yields apricots of unmatched quality — bright in color, velvety in texture, and naturally sweet.

This heritage of excellence continues today under modern export standards, combining traditional sun drying with state-of-the-art quality control.

Understanding Apricot Varieties and Processing Methods

The Malatya Advantage

Malatya apricots are globally recognized for their size uniformity, balanced acidity, and deep color retention after drying. This makes them ideal for snack packaging, bakery fillings, and confectionery applications.

Tuna Sourcing’s partner growers in Malatya cultivate apricots under integrated pest management systems, ensuring low residue levels and sustainable yields.

Sun-Dried vs. Mechanically Dried Apricots

Sun-drying remains the most authentic method, where apricots are laid under controlled sunlight to preserve natural sugars and nutrients. Mechanically dried apricots, though faster to produce, often lose the bright golden tone and rich aroma valued in premium markets.

Natural and Sulfur-Treated Grades

Apricots are graded according to their sulfur dioxide (SO₂) levels:

• Natural Dried Apricots: Dark brown to bronze in color, ideal for clean-label and organic products.

• Light Sulfur Apricots: Retain soft texture and light orange hue with minimal treatment.

• Bright Sulfur Apricots: Vivid color and long shelf life, preferred for retail packaging in humid regions.

Each grade serves a distinct segment of the global market — from organic health stores to mainstream supermarkets.

From Orchard to Export: Tuna Sourcing’s Golden Standard

Harvest and Primary Processing

Apricots are handpicked at peak ripeness, halved, and sun-dried on mesh trays to ensure even dehydration.Post-drying, the fruits undergo cleaning, destoning, and moisture stabilization, all within HACCP-certified facilities.

Grading, Calibration, and Packaging

Tuna Sourcing applies rigorous grading standards based on:

• Size (ranging from No. 1 to No. 8)

• Moisture (18–24%)

• Texture softness and visual appeal

• Absence of blemishes or sugar crystallization

Packaging Configurations

For bulk buyers, dried apricots are packed in:

• 5 kg, 10 kg, 12.5 kg, or 25 kg cartons

• Polyethylene inner bags for moisture control

• Ventilated containers for tropical destinations

Tuna Sourcing ensures optimal pallet configuration and humidity protection for every container, guaranteeing stable quality on arrival.

Quality, Safety, and International Compliance

Certificates and Testing

Every shipment from DriedFigs.co, powered by Tuna Sourcing, includes:

• Phytosanitary Certificate

• Certificate of Origin

• COA (Certificate of Analysis)

• Pesticide Residue and Aflatoxin Reports

All lots comply with EU MRL regulations, FDA food safety standards, and BRC/IFS protocols, ensuring full traceability from field to port.

Food Safety Controls

Before loading, apricot batches are visually inspected and randomly sampled for microbiological analysis.Moisture balance and sulfur levels are double-checked to ensure compliance with buyer specifications.

Sustainability and Fair Sourcing

Tuna Sourcing is deeply committed to ethical trade.By supporting smallholder farmers in Malatya, the company ensures fair pricing, improved working conditions, and environmental responsibility.This approach not only enhances product quality but also strengthens the social fabric of rural production communities.

Why Bulk Dried Apricots Are Essential for Importers

Nutritional and Commercial Advantages

Dried apricots offer a perfect combination of natural sweetness, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a key ingredient in health-oriented foods.They’re rich in potassium, iron, and beta-carotene — nutrients that align with modern wellness trends and plant-based diets.

For food manufacturers, dried apricots serve multiple functions:

• Natural color enhancer in desserts and bars

• Texture and flavor booster in confectionery

• Functional fiber source in breakfast cereals

• Shelf-stable fruit base for energy snacks

Logistics and Supply Chain Benefits

Their high value-to-weight ratio, long shelf life, and stable trade volumes make dried apricots a low-risk, high-return product for importers.Tuna Sourcing’s integrated logistics model — from packing to sea freight — minimizes delays and ensures consistent supply throughout the year.

Branding Through Origin

Buyers increasingly use origin labeling such as “Product of Malatya, Turkey” to emphasize authenticity.Tuna Sourcing supports custom branding, private labeling, and retail-ready packaging, giving importers a marketing edge in competitive markets.

The Future of Dried Apricots in Global Nutrition

Dried apricots perfectly embody the future of sustainable nutrition: plant-based, naturally sweet, and minimally processed.As the global market shifts toward clean ingredients and responsible sourcing, their importance will only continue to grow.

DriedFigs.co — under the global supply expertise of Tuna Sourcing — delivers this promise through traceable supply chains, certified quality, and buyer-centered service.Every carton exported carries not just fruit, but the essence of Mediterranean craftsmanship.