Pictured: Fatma Akalin from Happy Village (left) with Karen Aston from the Warwick Innovation

The fruits of farmers' hard work in Turkey are being seen throughout the UK after a base was established in Warwick.

Happy Village produces, packs and imports organic dried fruits and nuts to more than 30 countries.

Around 1,000 farmers in villages throughout Turkey are registered to the Happy Village project to produce the organic products and they take part in an intensive training programme as well as receive ongoing technical and financial assistance and have a network of social support. 

Fatma Akalin came to the UK two years ago to increase sales in the UK and she set up its base at the University of Warwick Science Park's Warwick Innovation Centre on Gallows Hill.

The move has paid dividends as UK sales have increased by 60 per cent and Happy Village is now supplying organic ingredients for Jordans cereal bars and to Marks & Spencer.

Fatma said 6,000 tonnes of organic products are exported every year from Turkey to the UK as well as countries such as Germany, Switzerland, France, America and Japan.

"We have been a major specialist in organic dried fruits and nuts for more than 20 years in Turkey and we are one of the pioneers in the sector," she said.

"Our network of farmers is not only growing fruits and nuts but they are being educated as well.

"The projects are based in 80 different villages in Turkey. In the east we grow our apricots and mulberries; sultanas and raisins - which represents the largest volume in the range - as well as figs in the west; hazelnuts in the north and other fruits like sour cherries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and plums in various regions.

"In 2009 we decided to extend into the UK market and  set up in the Midlands because of its central location and it means we don't have far to travel to meet our customers in London and the West Midlands.

"We have also launched retail packs under the Happy Village brand through wholesalers and distributors in the UK.

"The office space at the Innovation Centre is great and I am very happy here. Our sales in the UK have increased by 60 per cent and if we continue at the same rate over the next two to three years, I can imagine another 20 per cent rise but it depends on the economic climate and the retail aspect rather than bulk selling."

Karen Aston, centre manager at the Warwick Innovation Centre, said Happy Village was one of the many success stories of the Ignite programme.

"The scheme provides advice and information from our business support services and mentors to fledgling companies who are just establishing themselves," she said.

"Fatma has worked hard to develop contacts with a wide range of suppliers and distributors for its organic products in all parts of the UK and I have every confidence they will continue to grow."