Why annual supply programs are preferred by professional buyers
Annual contracts align production planning, packaging preparation and shipment management. They minimize exposure to sudden market fluctuations and ensure that both buyer and supplier operate with clarity.
- Predictable pricing across the season
- Smoother logistics and fewer last-minute requests
- Secured volume for critical SKUs
- Consistent quality through dedicated sourcing and sorting processes
Deciding contract volumes and shipment windows
Buyers typically estimate annual volumes based on historical sales, promotional activity and expected market conditions. Common contract structures include:
- Quarterly shipments (most common)
- Bi-monthly shipments for fast-moving retail ranges
- Monthly shipments for large packers and private-label producers
Shipments are usually scheduled more heavily in the first half of the season, when availability is highest and pricing more stable.
How Turkish suppliers structure seasonal availability
The apricot crop is harvested once per year in Malatya. After drying, sorting and packing, suppliers organize inventory according to expected global demand.
Buyers joining long-term programs early in the season gain access to:
- Wider size and colour options
- Better price positioning
- Guaranteed quality consistency
- Preferred packing schedules
Should buyers maintain buffer stock?
Many brands hold 1–2 months of buffer stock to reduce risk during promotions or peak-season spikes. Buffer stock is especially useful for:
- Private-label programs with strict on-shelf availability requirements
- Export markets with long transit times
- SKU ranges that rely on specific size or colour grades
Price considerations during the season
Prices can fluctuate over the year due to export pace, currency shifts and raw material availability. Annual programs help reduce exposure to short-term movements, but buyers still monitor:
- The rate of early-season exports
- Global demand trends (e.g., Europe, USA, Middle East)
- Local market purchases in Turkey
- Currency volatility
Documentation and compliance planning
For smooth customs clearance and retail acceptance, buyers align documentation needs in advance:
- COA & CO (Certificate of Origin)
- Phytosanitary certificates
- Pesticide reports
- Allergen statements
- Organic certificates (if applicable)
Clear documentation requirements prevent delays at origin and destination ports.
Summary
Annual dried apricot programs provide consistency, predictable pricing and better operational control for both buyers and suppliers. By defining volume, shipment timing, grade requirements and documentation early, importers create a more stable and efficient supply chain.
Atlas supports long-term retail, private-label and industrial contracts with flexible shipment options and comprehensive documentation.