Main factors that influence dried fig pricing
Dried figs from Turkey are priced using a combination of quality parameters, processing requirements and market conditions. Understanding these helps buyers compare offers more accurately.
1. Size grade (No. 1, No. 2, No. 3...)
Size is one of the biggest price differentiators. Larger figs (No. 1, No. 2) are visually appealing and preferred for retail cartons and gift packs — therefore priced higher.
- Larger sizes → higher price
- Smaller sizes → more suited for industrial use and lower price ranges
2. Defect levels & sorting precision
Offers vary depending on acceptable limits for:
- mould traces
- sugar crystallisation
- broken skin
- insect damage
- foreign matter tolerance
Premium packs require strict sorting, which increases labour cost and final price.
3. Moisture level and softness
Softer, moister figs (22–26%) often command higher pricing, especially for retail gifting formats. Industrial formats with lower moisture may cost less but require tighter monitoring during production.
4. Packing style and labour intensity
Lerida, Protoben, Pulled and Layer packs require different amounts of manual work. Labour-heavy styles result in higher commercial prices.
5. Organic vs conventional supply
Organic certified figs typically cost more due to:
- limited certified production areas
- stricter traceability
- higher compliance costs
6. Market timing & shipment window
Prices fluctuate throughout the season. Early-crop buying often offers best availability but not always the best price, while mid-season pricing can rise or fall depending on:
- export pace
- harvest size
- domestic consumption
- currency movement
How to compare dried fig offers correctly
When evaluating offers from multiple suppliers, ensure you compare like-for-like:
- Same size grade (No. 1 vs No. 3 is a major price gap)
- Same moisture level (±2% changes pricing)
- Same defect tolerance
- Same packing style
- Same incoterm & shipment period
Many buyers request a detailed specification sheet to ensure transparency across all offers.
Negotiation structure for dried fig buyers
A clear negotiation approach improves both pricing and long-term supplier relationships. A recommended structure:
1. Define your annual volume early
Suppliers prioritise customers who signal realistic and repeatable demand. Volume visibility can also unlock better pricing.
2. Confirm your preferred size and moisture range
This avoids unnecessary back-and-forth and ensures accurate initial quotations.
3. Discuss shipment schedule
Many importers book:
- Early-season shipments for high availability
- Mid-season shipments for balanced pricing
- Late-season shipments if they require stable supply
4. Build flexibility into your contract
Rather than fixing one rigid price for a full year, many buyers prefer a banded approach depending on:
- crop development
- market pace
- exchange rate movements
5. Request samples before confirming final grade
Even within the same grade, fruit characteristics can vary. Sampling avoids misunderstandings and helps align expectations.
Summary for buyers
Bulk dried fig pricing is influenced by several interconnected variables — most importantly size, defects, moisture, packing style and market timing. Buyers who understand these factors gain stronger negotiation leverage and greater consistency in delivered quality.
If you need help preparing a specification sheet or comparing multiple offers, our team supports buyers with transparent, detailed evaluations.