From Vineyard to Export: The Sustainable Journey of Our Grape Leaves

A Leaf That Carries the Mediterranean Soul

The story of every grape leaf begins in the sunlit vineyards of the Mediterranean. For centuries, farmers have cultivated grapevines not only for their fruit but also for their tender young leaves, prized for culinary use.At Tuna Sourcing, we honor this timeless connection between nature, craftsmanship, and sustainability — transforming a traditional ingredient into a global product with modern responsibility.

Sustainable Cultivation: Where It All Begins

Respecting the Rhythm of Nature

Our grape leaves are harvested from sustainably managed vineyards where chemical fertilizers and pesticides are minimized. Instead, natural composting and integrated pest management practices maintain soil health and biodiversity.

By aligning harvests with seasonal growth cycles, we ensure the leaves are picked at the moment of perfect tenderness — when their color, elasticity, and flavor are at their best.

Supporting Local Farmers

Tuna Sourcing collaborates with local farming cooperatives across the Aegean and Mediterranean regions.These partnerships help small-scale farmers maintain traditional techniques while benefiting from:

• Fair trade pricing

• Training in sustainable agriculture

• Access to international markets

This approach not only protects the environment but also strengthens rural economies and preserves cultural heritage.

Careful Harvesting and Selection

Precision at Every Step

Every batch of grape leaves begins with a careful hand-picking process. Workers select only the youngest, most flexible leaves — those that can be rolled easily without breaking.

The leaves are then:

1. Washed in natural spring water

2. Inspected for color and texture

3. Sorted according to size and thickness

This meticulous process ensures a consistent product that meets the expectations of both chefs and manufacturers around the world.

Eco-Friendly Processing and Preservation - sustainable grape leaves

Brining with Purpose

Preserving grape leaves in natural salt brine is an ancient Mediterranean method — and still the most sustainable. It avoids synthetic preservatives while maintaining the leaf’s natural color, aroma, and softness.

Tuna Sourcing’s modern facilities use closed-loop water systems and energy-efficient machinery, reducing waste and carbon emissions throughout production to sustainable grape leaves.

Packaging for the Planet

Our commitment to sustainability extends to packaging as well. Tuna Sourcing offers:

• Recyclable glass jars and tins

• Biodegradable vacuum packs

• Bulk industrial packaging for minimal waste in transport

Each solution is designed to balance durability, hygiene, and environmental responsibility.

Quality Control and Traceability

Every Leaf, Fully Traceable

Through advanced traceability systems, Tuna Sourcing can follow every batch from vineyard to shipment.Each pallet carries detailed data — vineyard origin, harvest date, brining lot, and inspection reports — ensuring complete transparency for importers and distributors.

Third-Party Certifications

Tuna Sourcing’s grape leaves meet international standards including:

• ISO 22000: Food Safety Management

• HACCP: Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points

• Organic Certification (upon request)

These certifications confirm our commitment to both food safety and environmental stewardship.

Logistics and Global Distribution

From the Mediterranean to the World

Once preserved and packed, Tuna Sourcing coordinates seamless exports from ports like İzmir and Mersin to destinations across Europe, North America, and Asia.Each shipment is handled with precision:

• Controlled temperature storage

• Phytosanitary documentation

• Fumigation and container lining for freshness

Whether by sea, air, or land, our logistics partners ensure that the product arrives in perfect condition, maintaining the integrity of each leaf.

Sustainability Beyond Production

Our export model prioritizes shorter supply chains, optimized shipping routes, and recyclable container materials, aligning with our carbon reduction goals and the broader Tuna Sourcing Sustainability Policy.

The Human Element: Responsibility and Transparency

Behind every jar or bale of grape leaves are the people who make it possible — farmers, technicians, and logistics teams dedicated to preserving nature’s gifts.Tuna Sourcing believes sustainability is not only about protecting the planet but also about ensuring dignity, fair work, and shared prosperity across the entire supply chain.

A Vision Rooted in the Future

The journey of our grape leaves reflects our broader mission:to unite Mediterranean tradition with sustainable global sourcing.As consumer awareness grows, Tuna Sourcing continues to lead the way in creating transparent, ethical, and environmentally responsible supply networks — proving that business and sustainability can thrive together.

From vineyard to export, every step in our grape leaf journey is a promise — a commitment to quality, sustainability, and integrity.By choosing Tuna Sourcing, partners around the world invest in more than a product; they support a philosophy where nature, people, and trade exist in harmony.

That is what makes our grape leaves truly global — and genuinely Mediterranean.