Ömer Fatih Ergül is a dried tomato exporter who exports dried tomatoes to various countries such as Italy, America, Russia, Germany, and Greece. The tomatoes grown in Yeşilhisar are known for their fullness and aroma, especially favored by pizza makers in Europe. With approximately 5,000 hectares of tomato cultivation in the district, around 8,000 tons of tomatoes are dried naturally under the sun in open-air drying areas and then exported.
Ergül mentioned that they have been producing dried tomatoes in the region for the past 3 years. He stated that a portion of the dried tomatoes used in famous Italian pizzas are supplied from Yeşilhisar, and they export to 10 different countries.
The distinct aroma of the tomatoes grown in Yeşilhisar is due to the location near the foothills of Mount Erciyes, where the temperature difference between day and night contributes to the unique flavor. The harvest starts in mid-August and continues until the end of September. The tomatoes are dried for 7 days and harvested on the 8th day. They are stored in their own cold storage before being exported.
Ergül mentioned that their farm has 900 hectares of tomato fields, while overall tomato cultivation in Yeşilhisar covers around 4,500-5,000 hectares. They dry the tomatoes in an area of 300 hectares. This year, they plan to double their exports.
In summary, Ömer Fatih Ergül is a successful dried tomato exporter from Yeşilhisar, known for the unique aroma of their tomatoes grown near Mount Erciyes. Their high-quality dried tomatoes are in demand by pizza producers in various countries, and they aim to expand their exports further.