# Manisa 2026 grape export – cost crisis and response > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/manisa-2026-grape-export-season > Updated: 2026-08-08T09:41:07.000Z. Sources: 41. Developments: 5. The 2026 grape export season in Manisa, Turkey, began with the Superior Seedless harvest on 23 July and the first export load on 25 July, targeting 93,000 tonnes of dried grapes and approximately US$321 million in earnings. By early August, growers in Alaşehir and Sarıgöl reported input costs rising 50–80% while dry-grape prices fell to 75–80 lira per kg, prompting protests on 5 August demanding clearer pricing from the state-run Toprak Mahsulleri Ofisi (TMO), increased export support, and measures to boost domestic consumption. On 7 August, MHP Group Deputy Chairman Erkan Akçay met with Agriculture Minister İbrahim Yumaklı to address market instability. Highlighting Turkey's role as a global leader in seedless raisin exports—holding a 45% market share—Akçay addressed concerns regarding yield speculation, the impact of smuggled and imported raisins, and the need for government intervention. He proposed the establishment of a "Grape Intervention Institution" composed of agricultural and commercial entities to stabilize price fluctuations and urged the TMO to act as a market regulator by purchasing raisins. He further called for raisin prices to be announced by July to prevent price drops. As Manisa provides 85% of Turkey's dried grapes and 20% of its table grapes, producers in regions like Sarıgöl continue to await base price announcements from TMO and TARİŞ. The Sultani seedless grape harvest is scheduled to begin on 11 August, with exports starting 12 August. To manage labor costs, the Manisa Agricultural Chambers Coordination Board released recommended daily wages for the harvest, effective 10 August, ranging from 1,450 TL to 1,750 TL including allowances. ## Claims - Erkan Akçay met with Agriculture and Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumaklı to present grape producers' demands. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Turkey ranks fifth worldwide in vineyard area and sixth in total grape production. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Turkey produces about 240 000 t of seedless dried grapes annually, with a 45 % export share, making it the world leader in dried‑grape exports. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Dried‑grape export is expected to earn $547 million in the 2024/25 season and $430 million in the 2025/26 season. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Fresh‑grape export generates $150‑200 million annually. (corroborated by 2 sources) - 85 % of Turkey’s drying grapes and 20 % of table grapes are produced in Manisa. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Akçay called for a commission of provincial agriculture directorates, growers, viticulture institutes, the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) and other agencies to set harvest estimates to prevent price spec­u (corroborated by 2 sources) - He urged the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) to purchase dried grapes and announce price lists by July to stabilize the market. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-08: Manisa Agricultural Chambers Sets 2026 Grape Harvest Wage Recommendations Manisa Agricultural Chambers set 2026 grape‑harvest wage guidelines: daily pay 1,450‑1,600 TL plus 150 TL allowance, up to 1,750 TL total; transport fees negotiable; effective 10 Aug 2026. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manisa-agricultural-chambers-sets-2026-grape-harvest-wage-recommendations ### 2026-08-07: Manisa grape producers present demands to Agriculture Minister MHP's Erkan Akçay met with Agriculture Minister İbrahim Yumaklı to demand state intervention for grape producers, citing price speculation and calling for TMO to purchase raisins. 33 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manisa-grape-growers-demands-discussed-by-mp-erkan-akay-with-agriculture-minister ### 2026-08-05: Manisa grape growers protest soaring costs and falling prices Manisa grape growers face 50‑80 % cost hikes and a price drop to 75‑80 lira per 100 kg, prompting calls for a government action plan, clearer TMO pricing and higher domestic consumption. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ahmet-uysals-roadside-fruit-stand-boosts-fresh-produce-sales-in-sargl-manisa ### 2026-07-25: Manisa's early grape export begins, marking new season for Turkish vineyards Manisa began exporting Superior Seedless grapes on 25 July, expecting $321 million in earnings, while Nevşehir vines ripen for an August‑September harvest that fuels local markets and traditional products. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manisas-early-grape-export-begins-marking-new-season-for-turkish-vineyards ### 2026-07-23: Manisa launches 2026 grape export season as harvest begins Manisa’s Alaşehir region began its 2026 grape export season with Superior Seedless shipments to Europe, while the province’s harvest started, featuring early Spil Karası vines and high yield expectations. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkeys-manisa-grape-and-tunceli-mulberry-harvest-forecasts-launched --- Cite as: Manisa 2026 grape export – cost crisis and response. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/manisa-2026-grape-export-season