Russian retailers counting on steady fruit and vegetable shipments from Turkey

MOSCOW. Feb 13 (Interfax) - Russian retail chains are counting on the ongoing supply of vegetables and fruits from Turkey, and expect no delays due to the earthquake.

Retail chains currently are not experiencing any issues with deliveries from Turkey, including of vegetables and fruit, Chairman of the Association of Retailers, AKORT, Igor Karavaev, told Interfax.

"Orders are shipping right on time, and vendors continue taking new orders, so there is really no reason to expect delays with deliveries," he said.

The largest Russian retail chain, Magnit imports pears, quinces, lemons, oranges, mandarin oranges, grapefruits and other products itself directly from Turkey, the retailer's press service said.

"Generally, Turkey is a significant supplier of citrus fruits, some seed and stone fruits. So far, the company has not received any refusals to deliver previously placed orders. Our suppliers are also confirming all our new orders," the press service said, adding that "at this time, the company's Turkish partners do not expect any problems either with the current harvest or with the harvest for the next season."

According to a source in the market, fruit and vegetable products delivered to Russia from Turkey ship primarily from the port of Mersin. According to Turkish media, the port of Iskenderun suffered the most from the earthquake, where a fire raged for several days.