Food Turkey Magazine September 2017

Turkey, 

discover the 

potential! 

Despite political upheaval, and Russia’s import ban on Turkish 

products, the country still imported over $5 billion worth of 

food and drink products – making it an ideal export destination. 

Turkey’s position as a top food and beverage export location 

looks secure in 2017. Turks are increasingly wary of processed 

foodstuffs, preferring instead to seek out healthier options. Organic 

food and drink, flying under the radar at present, is one of 

the Turkish food industry’s quietly growing sectors – one ripe for 

export expansion. 

A current market valuation of $97.9 million belies the impressive 

growth Turkey’s organic sector is experiencing. By 2020, the 

market will have grown at a CAGR of 12.9%, pushing its value 

to above $170 million. This low base provides a brilliant platform 

for foreign companies to exploit, but what should they be shipping 

to Turkey? 

According to a United States Department of Agriculture report, 

top organic products include dairy offerings, such as cheeses and 

milk, alongside oils and fats. These two product areas are integral 

to traditional Turkish cuisines, thus are becoming regular fixtures 

in Turkish kitchens nationwide. 

The concern for halal food and beverage is also increasing. In a 

nation where 98% of the population identifies as Muslim, you 

would expect Turkey to be an almost captive market for halal 

food and drink products. Worth $168 billion, and rising, halal 

food and drink is a major part of Turkey’s food sector mix. 

The hot trend for the past couple of years has been pre-packaged, 

frozen or readymade halal offerings. Turkey’s population is 

living increasingly active, fast-paced lifestyles and gender roles are 

changing too; plenty of women now have careers, leaving less 

time for meal preparation. As such, ready-to-eat options are 

increasingly gaining prominence in Turkey’s halal sector. 

Shows as ITE Food & Drink will have a great importance on 

discovering all these impart and export opportunities. We will 

there and at GulfHost, The Hotel Show, Gulfood Manufacturing, 

Gulfood, etc. Let’s meet there! 

4 FOOD TURKEY September 2017 

Mehmet Söztutan 

Group Chairman 

Publisher 

Managing Editor 

Responsible 

Editor-in-Chief: 

Editor 

Advertisement Manager 

Correspondent 

Communications Manager 

Art Director 

Artwork Consultant 

Graphic Designer 

Chief Accountant 

Subscription 

Computing 

Social Media 

HEAD OFFICE 

Güneşli Evren Mah. Bahar Cad. 

Polat İş Merkezi B Blok No:3,34197 

Güneşli-İstanbul/TURKEY 

Tel: +90 212 604 50 50 

Fax: +90 212 604 50 51 

H.Ferruh ISIK 

ISTMAG Magazin Gazetecilik 

Yayıncılık İç ve Dış Ticaret Ltd. Şti. 

Mehmet SOZTUTAN 

(mehmet.soztutan@img.com.tr) 

Cüneyt AKTÜRK 

(cuneyt.akturk@ihlasfuar.com.tr) 

Ibrahim Ethem KUPELI 

Emir Omer OCAL 

(emir.ocal@img.com.tr) 

Omer Faruk GORUN 

(fgorun@ihlas.net.tr) 

Enes KARADAYI 

(enes.karadayi@img.com.tr) 

Ebru PEKEL 

(ebru.pekel@ihlasfuar.com.tr) 

İsmail GURBUZ 

(ismail.gurbuz@img.com.tr) 

Tolga ÇAKMAKLI 

(tolga.cakmakli@img.com.tr) 

Mustafa AKTAŞ 

(mustafa.aktas@img.com.tr) 

İsmail ÖZÇELİK 

(ismail.ozcelik@img.com.tr) 

Emre YENER 

(emre.yener@img.com.tr) 

Songül ÇEK 

(songul.cek@img.com.tr) 

LIAISON OFFICE: 

Buttim Plaza A. Blok 

Kat:4 No:1038 

Bursa/TURKEY 

Tel: +90. 224 211 44 50-51 

Fax: +90. 224 211 44 81 

PRINTED BY 

IHLAS GAZETECILIK A.Ş. 

Merkez Mahallesi 29 Ekim Caddesi İhlas Plaza No:11 A/41 

Yenibosna-Bahçelievler/ISTANBUL 

Tel: 0212 454 30 00

CONTENTS 

6 

Spice exporters aim 

European markets for 

more sales 

10 

Turkish food 

products flying off 

shelves in Qatari 

markets as blockage 

remains 

16 

Turkish food industry: 

Can it benefit from 

Brexit? 

26 48 

New and healthy 

food for expectant 

mothers: turkey meat! 

34 

Billur Tuz and Fora 

Zeytin introduced to 

Chinese market 

38 

Hospitality Week 

in Dubai 

44 

Growing appetite for 

seafood drives demand 

at Middle East’s 

largest dedicated seafood 

expo 

11th yummex 

Middle East: a sweet 

show! 

54 

TGDF Chairman 

Kopuz: “Food industry 

is being turned 

into a target” 

60 

Assan Foods introduced 

its products in 

Dubai Gulfood Fair 

66 

Turkey’s olive oil and 

table olives – ancient 

traditional taste of 

Mediterranean cuisine 

72 

Erpilic to expand 

Turkey meat 

market with a new 

investment worth 45 

million 

82 

Food Istanbul ready 

to host the industry 

86 

ISM in Cologne - the 

big world of sweets 

and snacks 

6 FOOD TURKEY September 2017

Avrupa eti. Sıkı standartlar. Yüksek kalite. 

Yeşil fasulyeli biftek 

Malzemeler: 

antrikot (260-280 g), patates (300 g), zeytin yağı (20 ml), domuz 

pastırması (80 g), yeşil fasulye (200 g), tereyağı (40 g), sarımsak (1 diş), 

maydanoz (40 g), tuz, karabiber (isteğe bağlı), yağ (40 ml), zeytin 

yağ (40 ml) 

Yapılışı: 

Ete tuz ve karabiber katın. Yeşil fasulyeyi yıkayın, temizleyin ve domuz 

pastırması dilimlerine sarın. Kabuklu patatesleri yıkayın, tuzlayın ve azıcık 

zeytinyağı ekleyin. Fırın tepsisine dizin ve fırında 200 derecede 30 dakika 

boyunca pişirin. Tereyağını kase içine koyun, rendelenmiş sarımsak, kıyılmış 

maydanoz, tuz, karabiber ekleyin. Malzemeleri homojenik bir karışım 

olana dek karıştırın. Domuz pastırması ile sarılmış fasulyeyi 4 dakika boyunca 

tavada kızartın. Eti çok az yağda her iki tarafını yaklaşık 3 dakika boyunca 

kızartın. Bu şekilde hazırlanan bifteği domuz pastırması ile sarılmış 

fasulye ve fırınlanmış patates ile servis edin. Etin üzerine tereyağı koyun. 

Sadece „Avrupa’nın tadına bak”! 

Modern ve zorlu tüketiciler, et 

üreticilerden güven ve müthiş 

bir tat sağlayan sıkı standartlara 

uygun olarak üretilen kaliteli 

ürünleri beklerler. Onların 

beklentilerini göz önüne alarak, 

2015 yılında Türkiye’de AB ülkeleri 

menşei olan taze, soğutulmuş 

veya dondurulmuş dana 

eti ve onun bazında üretilen 

gıda müstahzarlarına adanmış 

„Avrupa’nın tadına bak” tanıtım-bilgilendirme 

kampanyasını 

başlattık. 

Avrupa dana eti üretiminin temeli, 

birtakım sıkı kurallar ve kalite standartlarını 

temsil eden „Tarladan çatala” 

politikasıdır. Söz konusu politika; 

tam şeffaflık, denetim, hayvan refahı 

için özen ve sürekli veteriner denetimi 

sağlama dahil olmak üzere önemli değerlere 

dayalıdır. Prosedürler; menşei, 

tanımlama sistemi, doğru besleme, 

kesim, paketleme ve nakliye gibi gıda 

zincirinin tüm unsurlarını kapsar. 

Üretim kurallarının standart hale 

getirilmesiyle, Avrupa Birliği’nden gelen 

dana eti tekrarlanabilirliği ile karakterize 

edilir. Tüketiciler için bu her 

zaman yüksek kalite, uygun yumuşaklık 

ve sululuk seviyesinin yanı sıra, 

inanılmaz lezzet ile ayırt edilen iyi bir 

ürün alacaklarından emin olabilecekleri 

anlamına gelir. Ayrıca, Avrupa 

üreticileri, Türk müşterinin ihtiyaçlarına 

ayak uydurabilirler. Benzersiz 

duyusal ve tat özellikleri Avrupa dana 

etinin mutfakta mükemmel bir seçim 

olmasını sağlar. 

Organizatörler; Avrupa dana eti 

üreticileri ve girişimcileri arasında bir 

iş platformu oluşturmayı amaçlamıştır. 

Daha fazla bekleme ve bugün Avrupa’nın 

tadına bak! 

Daha fazla bilgi edinmek için 

www.avrupanintadinabak.eu web 

sitesini ziyaret edin. 

KAMPANYA AVRUPA BIRLIĞI 

VE POLONYA CUMHURIYETI DESTEĞI 

ILE FINANSE EDILMIŞTIR 

AYRICA DANA ETI TANITIM FONU 

DESTEĞI ILE DE FINANSE EDILMIŞTIR

Spice exporters aim 

European markets 

for more sales 

A group of spice 

exporters have 

participated in 

general assembly 

meeting of European 

Spice Association 

to deliver their 

messages as a 

dependable trade 

partner for more 

sales. 

2017 general meeting of ESA, European 

Spice Association was held 

in Bordeaux, France. About 190 

members were in the meeting, 20 

of them from Turkey, headed by 

Nurettin Tarakcioglu, chairman of 

Aegean furniture, paper and forestry 

products exporters association. 

Tarakcioglu said that five Turkish exporter 

companies are represented 

in the Association. 

He said, “Turkey has a great potential 

by having large variety of plants 

and spices. The meeting of the ESA 

is highly important for commercializing 

this potential. Following 

the coup attempt in 15 July foreign 

buyers limited their intent to visit 

Turkey for a while. So, having been 

in these kind of organizations have 

become more important for us to 

empower the image of Turkey in 

foreign markets. 

Turkey’s spice sales in abroad has 

shown an increase about 14 percent, 

and earned 175 million dollars 

from spice exports in 2016. It was 

153 million dollars in 2015. European 

countries, Germany, Belgium, 

Holland and France are top buyers 

of Turkish spices. Medical doctors 

advice people to consume spices 

as replacement for salt. This is a 

good opportunity for our business. 

We have a rich variety of spices 

that must be marketed more effectively. 

We have an opportunity to 

reach billion dollars level in exports 

by our efforts in a short period.” 

ESA general assembly has brought 

almost all players in spice industry, 

where they meet with each other, 

exchanged their views and plans, 

sought opportunities for more 

business. ESA has a higher level of 

awareness and power on its members. 


Turkish Government ready to 

apply food measures to push 

down inflation to single-digits 

The Turkish government’s measures to 

ease increasing prices are ready to be 

applied, amid aims to gradually bring 

down inflation rate to single digits again. 

Turkey’s Food Committee held a series 

of meetings to develop feasible 

measures to prevent an ongoing hike 

in food prices and settled on a general 

framework which shows things-to-do, 

said Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet 

Şimşek, who also heads the committee, 

state-run Anadolu Agency has reported. 

The government aims to raise output 

in the medium and long terms and 

to resolve some structural problems 

in the food supply chain immediately, 

he noted, underlining some key risks 

which are resulting from steep increases 

in unprocessed food prices. Şimşek 

noted that the agreed measures will go 

online very soon. “According to the results 

of the technical works, these measures 

will restrict some key inflationary 

risks resulting from fluctuations in the 

unprocessed food prices, and they will 

push down the inflation rate to single-digits 

again. In the upcoming years, 

the food inflation will be in compliance 

with the inflation target,” he added. 

Industry officials and economists say 

there are deeper structural problems, 

from the lack of a long-term agricultural 

policy to a supply chain hindered 

by middlemen and arcane bureaucracy 

across the country. 

Şimşek noted that a comprehensive 

production plan was prepared in a 

bid to boost output especially in import-dependent 

products, including 

legumes. “We will also introduce new 

incentives to support fresh fruit and 

vegetable production,” he added. 

Şimşek noted that the government will 

take crucial measures in the short run 

to examine and monitor the competition 

conditions at certain points of the 

supply chain and to boost inspections 

to detect unlawful storage activities in 

preservable food products as well as 

increase logistics and storage quality. 

“We will introduce incentives to support 

producers in offering much better 

storage and logistical services. This will 

also enable them to lower their dependence 

on middlemen,” he added. 


Turkish food products flying 

off shelves in Qatari markets 

as blockage remains 

Turkey has started to provide daily 

food and water supplies to Qatar with 

Turkish Airlines Cargo planes as the 

Gulf state faces isolation imposed by 

fellow Arab countries over its alleged 

support for terrorism. 

Qatari market chains also announced 

on social media that daily food products 

from Turkey such as milk, yogurt, 

and chicken were now on the shelves 

with signs “from Turkey by air.” Market 

employees reported that Turkish products 

are in high demand and all food 


supplies can be found in most of the 

supermarkets across Qatar. 

“Everything is fine in Qatar, we are 

now buying Turkish products. Turkey 

and Qatar are setting a good example 

on how relations between countries 

should be,” a Qatari lawyer, Suheyl 

Awad, said as he bought a carton of 

milk for his son. 

The Turkish parliament pushed through 

a bill on deploying Turkish troops in Qatar 

followed by President Recep Tayyip 

Erdoğan’s rapid approval, completing 

the legislative process. Saudi Arabia, the 

United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain 

and Egypt severed relations with Qatar. 

Several countries followed suit. 

Qatar vowed to ride out the isolation 

and said it would not compromise its 

sovereignty over foreign policy to resolve 

the region’s biggest diplomatic 

crisis in years. Turkey has maintained 

good relations with Qatar as well as 

several of its Gulf Arab neighbors.

Russia to 

import Turkish 

tomatoes 

in certain 

periods 

Russia has decided to buy tomatoes 

from Turkey at certain times and three 

companies that meet the requirements 

will initially export them to the country. 

The green light was finally given 

regarding the embargo that Russia had 

applied on Turkish tomatoes. Russia decided 

to import tomatoes from Turkey 

at certain periods which the product is 

not grown by its own producers and it 

will additionally import other products 

such as tomato paste from Turkey. 

According to the decision taken after 

the contacts of Russian officials in 

Turkey, three companies that fulfill the 

technical requirements will initially export 

Turkish tomatoes to the country. 

According to the decision taken after 

the technical contacts of Russian officials 


Turkey, which produces 70 percent of 

tomato exports to Russia, faced a Russian 

embargo after the jet downing crisis 

between the two countries. Russia, 

which launched an economic embargo 

on Turkey as of January 1, 2016. The imposed 

import sanctions on many Turkish 

products such as tomato, orange, 

apple, apricot, broccoli, mandarin, pear, 

chicken and turkey, were later lifted after 

normalization talks began, with the 

exception of tomatoes. Turkey, therefore, 

intensified efforts to solve the crisis 

surrounding the crucial exports of 

tomatoes. 

The Turkish delegation that engaged in 

talks with the Russian delegation that 

came to Turkey, proposed to pave the 

way for exporting in the seasons when 

Russia cannot produce tomatoes. 

It was reported that Russians also 

leaned toward this proposal. According 

to the decision made after technical 

talks with Russian officials, three Turkish 

companies that meet the technical requirements 

will be the first to engage 

in exports with Russia. These three 

companies will be selected from those 

which have exported to Russia before. 

The export permit covers the entire 

year except for a few months when 

Russia can plant tomatoes. The permit 

is expected to take effect within a few 

months. Samples will be taken from 

Turkish tomatoes with the mechanism 

to be set up and then, tomatoes that 

meet the required conditions will be 

exported without any bottleneck in 

customs. 

Thus, problems associated with pesticides 

are expected to be avoided. With 

the said mechanism, there will also be 

no customs duties arising from the inspection 

with regards to the exports 

of tomatoes. 

With the new system, the Russian 

farmers who started to produce tomatoes 

in the greenhouses after the crisis, 

will not be victimized either. Russia’s tomato 

needs will be primarily met from 

the domestic producers. Especially, the

greenhouses in the southern part of 

the country are said to be working efficiently. 

Russia estimates that the tomato prices 

in the market will also drop as a result 

of renewed visa exports of tomatoes 

from Turkey. In 2014, Turkey exported 

$508 million in tomatoes and cucumbers 

to Russia, while prior to the 

embargo, 43 percent of the tomatoes 

consumed in Russia came from Turkey. 

Following the ban by the Russian government, 

Turkey’s exports of tomatoes 

increased by 500 percent to Belarus, 

200 percent to Poland, 200 percent to 

Azerbaijan and 130 percent to Nakhichevan. 

In addition, producers and exporters, 

regarding an increase in the tomato 

exports to countries neighboring 

Russia, said they are buying tomatoes 

from them and selling the product to 

Russia. 

and a very minor reduction value compared 

to the 2013 quarter. 

The official data also demonstrated 

that Turkey’s fresh tomato exports in 

2014 were valued at $426 million while 

$275 million of this amount came from 

exports to Russia, which signifies that 

Russia alone constituted 65 percent of 

the Turkey’s fresh tomato exports. 

According to the Turkish Exporters’ 

Assembly data from May, Turkey’s fresh 

fruit and vegetable exports to Russia 

increased by 503.7 percent in May and 

reached $2.12 billion. 

Indicating that the price of selling tomatoes 

to Russia before the crisis was 

around TL 4-5 ($1.14-1.42), Turkey’s 

Greenhouse Investors’ and Manufacturers’ 

Association (SERA BİR) Chairman 

Müslüm Yılmaz previously noted, 

“After the crisis, the tomato price in 

Russia was TL 13 ($4). Russian citizens 

consume tomatoes at a price that is 

three times higher that amount.” 

In the January-April period of 2016, 

Turkey exported 227,619 tons of tomatoes 

valued at $120 million. In the 

same period this year, 267,482 million 

tons were exported and the value of 

these exports was $161 million. Officials 

stated that Turkey’s tomato exports 

increased by 18 percent compared 

to the previous year, saying there 

was a value-based increase of 34 percent. 

They also said that tomatoes are 

entering the Russian market. 

Moreover, during the third quarter of 

2014, tomato exports to Russia increased 

by 89 percent in volume and 

96 percent in revenue compared with 

the same quarter of 2013, official data 

revealed. The fourth quarter of 2014 

saw a 2 percent increase in volume 


Turkish food industry: 

Can it benefit from Brexit? 

The historic exit of the United Kingdom 

from the European Union has 

cast uncertainty over the nation’s 

food supplies in the near future. A 

report from Turkey’s Egeli & Co. Financial 

Services Group suggests that 

Brexit has opened up the UK’s food 

market for Turkish producers. 

The new report, spearheaded by 

Egeli & Co’s Asset Management Research 

Strategy Director, Güldem 

Atabay Sanli, examines the effects 

of Brexit on the UK, EU and Turkey’s 

agricultural and food sectors. 

According to this report, the EU 

provides 70% of its food exports to 

the United Kingdom. Now that the 


UK has decided to leave the world’s 

biggest free trade market, food prices 

are expected to rise while sales 

volumes drop. 

England alone is home to over 65 

million people. At present, the country’s 

agricultural sector can provide 

enough food for two thirds of the 

population including attendant fishing 

industries. Given the fact that 

the UK also includes Wales, Scotland 

and Northern Ireland, food imports 

are vital. 

•A growing demand for organic produce 

is sweeping across the United 

Kingdom too. Egeli & Co’s report 

suggests this increasing desire for 

health foods will further influence 

the levels of imported food needed 

to sustain the UK. 

Given the import volumes of key 

food commodities needed by the 

United Kingdom, Turkey is well 

placed to capitalise on any shortfalls 

in the wake of Brexit. High tariffs

are currently hindering UK imports 

of fruit and vegetables, for example. 

Egeli & Co’s research suggests that as 

the United Kingdom negotiates with 

the EU, Turkey should also act quickly 

to take advantage of any breaks in 

relations and negotiate better tariffs 

for its food exports. 

Turkey currently exports a variety 

of food products to the UK, including 

fresh and dried fruits, nuts, and 

frozen and canned vegetables. 15% 

of Britain’s imported fresh and dried 

grapes are sourced from Turkish 

producers. 2.5% of the UK’s citrus 

fruit is also imported from Turkey. 

Egeli & Co also highlighted how 

improvements in the packing and 

labelling of Turkish food products 

will improve their chances in the UK 

market. 

Turkish producers are already picking 

up the slack in a decline in cherry 

production amongst some major EU 

member states. Can Turkey’s food 

and drink industry respond similarly 

to the UK’s predicted shortages 

post-Brexit? 

Brexit may have caused uncertainty 

over Europe, the report concludes, 

but for Turkey a golden opportunity 

has presented itself. Food and drink 

producers will have to act fast to 

make the most of the opportunities 

available in the UK in a post-Brexit 

world. 


Award-winning Beypazarı 

Mineral Waters always 

gets the highest scores at 

various surveys 

Beypazarı Mineral 

Water got the 

highest scores at 

various surveys in 

2009-2010-2012- 

2015 and four 

prestigious awards 

in 2016 namely 

“Best Brand of 

the Year Award”, 

“Consumer Quality 

Award”, “Best 

Reliable Product 

Award” and “EU 

Quality Award”. 


Having more than a half-century of 

experience, Beypazarı Mineral Waters 

was established in 1957 as a private 

enterprise. The establishment has a 

production concept that serves for 

human health, protects and warns 

its consumer about healthy beverages. 

Beypazarı Mineral Waters which 

makes a production of 300 thousands 

bottles per hour and follows the industrial 

developments around the 

world has always protected the product 

quality and its natural content, has 

become the ruler of the shelves from 

the bottling of natural mineral water 

until it reaches its consumers. Beypazarı 

Mineral Water with its mineral 

content and hygiene is the most reliable 

mineral water brand for human 

health. 

The establishment which has a prominent 

place in the domestic market 

with its production capacity and 

Niyazi Ercan, 

Chairman of the Board of Beypazari 

modern production facilities, also 

plays a significant role in the overseas 

market and export its product range 

with Natural Fruit Mineral Waters 

and now producing seven varieties

including lemon, apple, cherry, strawberry, 

pomegranate, mandarin and 

lemon C+ (with vitamin C). Beypazarı 

has new product which is Beypazarı 

Gazoz. 

Beypazarı Mineral Water got the highest 

scores at various surveys in 2009- 

2010-2012-2015 and four awards in 

2016. It is also won the “Best Brand 

of the Year” award, “consumer quality 

award”, “best reliable product award” 

“EU quality award” in 2016. 

Beypazarı Mineral water won the 

“Recommended Brand to all Consumers” 

award from the all consumers 

Protection society, 

Beypazarı Mineral Water has the biggest 

and most modern establishment 

in Türkiye with its understanding of 

quality it carried on through the years. 

For this reason it was the only mineral 

water brand which was nominated to 

the “2016 EU Quality Award” given 

by the European Union. It continues 

to prove this reliability and quality 

with the awards it gains. Beypazarı 

Mineral water export the products to 

20 country. 

WHY NATURAL MINERAL 

WATER? 

• Magnesium, one of the minerals 

contained in natural mineral waters, is 

the cation most intensively contained 

in cell after potassium. 

• The sodium contained in natural 

mineral water is the element found in 

body fluid the most and provides regulation 

of fluid distribution and fluid 

balance. 

• The waters containing calcium and 

magnesium are also effective for prevention 

of complaints such as diarrhea 

developed as a result of stress. 

• Natural mineral water particularly 

plays an essential role in prevention 

and treatment of osteoporosis. 

• It is inevitable part of all losing 

weight programs as it does not contain 

calorie. 

• Prevents tooth decays as it contains 

fluoride. 

• It is particularly recommended for 

pregnant and breast feeding women. 

• When milk and natural mineral water 

is compared, it is scientifically found 

out that both foods contain minerals 

useful for body at similar degrees. 

23

Fountains of Uludag to 

flow to Bursa 

Ground 

breaking 

ceremony was 

held for the 

construction 

of a bottling 

facility for 

waters coming 

from Uludag in 

Goze, Kestel. It 

is planned to be 

operational in 

September. 

Operations are close to be completed 

for the establishment of a bottling 

facility for Uludag waters that has 

been built by Bursa metropolitan municipality 

in Kestel. According to the information 

provided by Recep Altepe, 

the mayor of Bursa, the factory is of 

19 thousand sqm and equipped with 

machinery imported from abroad. 

The facility is regarded as another 

contribution of the municipality to historical, 

cultural and natural resources 

of Bursa to the economic value of the 

province. Recently, mayor Altepe and 

BUSKI general manager Ismail Hakkı 

Cetinavci have visited the construction 

site. 

Funded by resources of the municipal 

budget, the facility will be a tool for 

expansion of financial resources of 

the municipality. Mayor Altepe said, 

“We keep growing. We go beyond 

our targets in every investment. Fountains 

in Uludag are our major values 

that await to be commercialized. We 

deliver natural values of Bursa to the 

benefit of people both in Bursa and in 

other cities, where many consumers 

demand us for better mountain water. 

Water that will be bottled here will 

also be exported to contribute to the 

national economy.” 

60 liters of water will be processed in 

seconds and 40 TIR full of water will 

be shipped at each shift, meaning 120 

TIR per day. 


Selva Food displays new 

generation functional 

products at GolFood 

Selva Gida (Food) met with customers 

at GulFood 2017 Fair, one of the 

world’s most leading food fairs from 

26th Feb. to 02 March in Dubai. Selva 

Gida continues to have deals with 

major importer companies and global 

retailers while introducing new and 

functional products. 

Selva Gida, a company of Ittifak Holding 

in the food sector, has over 180 

products in 14 categories in its product 

portfolio adopting the ‘True Food’ approach, 

offers a variety of awarded and 

approved product categories to international 

markets. 

Selva Food, exhibited a wide range 

of products in the fair, including flour, 

semolina, pasta groups, new generation 

functional products. In addition to Napoletana, 

Basilico and Arrabbiata varieties 

of pasta sauces, vegetable macaroni 

products and organic products, Selva 

Gıda also launched gluten-free products 

to its product family during the 

event. 

Concentrating on the ‘True Food’ concept, 

originating from cereals, Selva 

produces products that are nutritious, 

humanistic, tasty, produced without 


harming the environment and nature, 

which are identified with human health 

for the breeding of healthy generations. 

Selva exports 50 per cent of production. 

Selva Food General Manager Ozkan 

Koyuncu, “Taste and quality of raw 

materials are important for the quality 

of our products. The whole process 

of production from product selection 

to processing, it is very important for 

us to maintain their nature and nutritive 

value. As a natural consequence 

of this understanding we do not use 

any preservatives or additives in the 

production process and we control 

the flow of the product carefully at all 

stages. Our product range for functional 

products has attracted a great deal 

of attention from our foreign buyers as 

well as the ones in domestic market. As 

Selva Gida we continue to take necessary 

steps to expand our business with 

our new connections. GulFood was a 

good opportunity for us in reaching 

our targets.”

New and healthy 

food for expectant 

mothers: turkey meat! 

Playing a significant role in 

terms of sufficient and balanced 

nutrition with the 

phosphor, potassium, magnesium 

and iron in its contents, 

turkey meat supports 

the brain development of 

babies with the folic acid 

which is of importance to 

the expectant mothers in 

particular. Distinguished by 

its moderate price compared to the 

red meat, mineral containing turkey 

meat consumption will start to increase 

all over Turkey with the Bolca 

Hindi move, expanding with support 

from Erpiliç. 

Turkey meat is a commonly preferred 

fowl worldwide due to high nutritional 

value, low fat and cholesterol contents 

and availability for processing with tasty 

and various products. Despite containing 

higher protein compared to red 

meat and chicken and having lower fat 

rate, turkey meat still isn’t consumed 


as it should be in Turkey. Having purchased 

Bolca Hindi, the top brand of 

the industry, with an anticipation that 

turkey meat, yet to be discovered except 

for Christmas dinners, will start 

to rise, Erpiliç will get the “pink meat”, 

a healthy and tasty alternative to red 

and white meat, to a point where it 

deserves. Turkey meat to be delivered 

easily at every point in Turkey with the 

guarantee and dealer infrastructure of 

Erpiliç will set the ground for a healthy 

nutrition for Turkish consumers at the 

first stage. 

Folic acid containing 

turkey meat is the new 

favorite of expectant 

mothers… 

Contributing to the healthy development 

and growth of children 

and expectant mothers with 

plenty of protein, turkey meat 

offers a different alternative to 

those caring about healthy nutrition. 

Supporting the brain development 

of the babies with folic acid which is of 

importance to the expectant mothers 

in particular, pink meat prevents anemia 

and supports cell development with vitamin 

B12 in its contents. Turkey meat 

slows down the aging process with its 

antioxidant characteristics as well as 

triggers serotonin hormone (happy 

hormone) with its amino acid content, 

named tryptophan. Milk, banana and 

turkey meat are regarded as examples 

of tryptophan containing nutrients, 

which are also needed by expectant 

mothers and provide relaxation.

Dried Fruits sector aims 300 

million dollars, 10% share 

in exports to Middle East 

Aiming to improve the exports of Turkey’s 

leading food items as leader in the 

world, including, sultana, dried figs, dried 

apricots and pistachios, KMTG, Turkish 

Dried Fruit Promotional Committee, 

keeps its activities going in 2017 as well. 

Prodexpo 2017 that was held in Russia 

was the first activity of the commission 

and the next stop was GulFood Dubai 

where Turkey’s leading fruits were exhibited. 

Osman Oz, Chairman of Turkish Dried 

Fruit Promotional Committee, has said 

that Turkey earns 1.4 billion dollars 

from dried fruts exports annually and 

the target for 2023 is to reach 3 billion 

level. 

“Turkey needs to diversify its export 

markets in order to be able to write 

a new success story in exports. In the 

Middle East countries dry fruit sector 

now has 4 percent share in our exports. 

Our goal is to increase this up to 

10 percent. We aimed to have $ 300 

million in the exports to the Middle 

East countries of $ 3 billion the targeted 

income from exports by the year,” 

he said. KMTG President Oz, informed 

that the Turkish Dry Fruit Sector that 

has participated in 10 different promotional 

activities, including 8 international 

food fairs, in order to increase the 

market share of Turkish dried fruits in 

the world market in 2017. He concluded: 

“There is a trend towards healthy 

products in the world. This is an advantage 

for Turkish dried fruit. We want to 

get on the trend. In 2017, we focused 

on the Far East, India, South Korea and 

China markets in our promotional 

programs. We will also be in the 20th 

Mostar International Fair in Bosnia and 

Herzegovina, besides the events in Russia 

and Dubai. 

The booth of KMTG represented by 

the managers and members of the 

commission in GulFood was visited by 

Erdem Ozan Turkish Ambassador in 

Dubai and Hasan Onal, trade advisor 

of the ministry. 


Zey-Tur-San prevents 

spoilage of vegetables 

from farm to table 

We made an interview with M. Turgay 

Tufekcioglu, member of the board of 

the company on the occasion of the 

launch of their new product Dobipa, a 

name made of a famous pop song in 

Turkey. He informed about other tastes 

to be launched soon. 

Known as the first 

pasteurized pickles 

producer in Turkey 

Zey-Tur-San, brings 

turnip drink to the tables 

25 years later. 


How long have you been in 

food industry? What kind of 

products does your company 

produce? 

M. Turgay Tufekcioglu 

Zey-Tur-San was established as a family 

business in 1983 and became a partner 

of Poupon Reitzel Industries Holding, a 

Swiss company of 90 years who produces 

old pickle, vinegar and mustard 

in its factories in France, Switzerland 

and in Spain. In line with this partnership 

our exports began to grow especially 

to Germany. Pickling is a process 

of fermenting vegetables to keep them 

for years, a process known since 1950’s. 

We prefer glass jars for health reasons

in our products. We have been doing 

business with Felix for years; we supply 

pickles of cucumber to Burger King 

in all countries in Europe, except the 

ones in Germany, Italy and Switzerland. 

We sell our products in Turkey and in 

Arab countries. 

We started to produce turnip again 

after 24 years. The basic input for turnip 

drink is a vegetable that has several 

benefits for the body. The sugar 

in it is turned into lactic acid during 

fermentation process. Turnip drink is a 

local beverage, popular in hot climates; 

it is completely natural and nutritious. 

Two points are critical for this product; 

that should be kept in glass bottles 

and should not contain any preserve 

in it. And, it should be pasteurized for 

longer shelf life. This differentiates our 

products from the competition. 25 

years ago our facilities were not suitable 

physically to produce more varieties. 

What is your target for 

turnip drink exports? 

We sell our products to 35 countries. 

Turnip drink is the best for palate 

taste of the people in Middle East. It 

is rather difficult to sell it to northern 

and western countries, because they 

have different palate taste, they prefer 

sweeter products, not salty ones. They 

even consume meat with honey. We 

try to supply all retail chains in Turkey 

at every corner of the country. 

What percentage of your 

production is targeted to 

domestic market? 

We process about 17 thousand tons 

of vegetables for pickling, most of 

them are made of cucumber. Other 

vegetables are offered as accessories 

for salads. We may increase our production 

capacities easily depending on 

the volume of demands. Grey companies 

who make their products in 

makeshift facilities are a major problem 

for the industry. Most of them are 

not audited by authorities. They have 

to use printed cans for health reasons 

but, they do not observe this and similar 

rules of regulations. At the end, they 

become able to compete us with their 

lowest prices. 

Do you have any procurement 

problems on the supply side 

of vegetables? Do you import 

vegetable? 

Geographically Turkey is one of the 

rare countries that has the best arid 

lands in the region. Climate is also good 

for farming. Our basic problem is that 

the state does not provide sufficient 

incentives and high cost of labor. Turkey 

has more potential than it thought. 

There is a need for better agricultural 

policies that larger corporations are 

seeking opportunities for investment. 

Lands should be united to expand the 

farming lots. Price in the markets have 

become an important criteria in the 

world. Once in the past, Germany has 

had close ties with Turkish farmers in 

the 1980’s. In the 2000’s a new trend 

emerged towards India as a source, because 

energy, labor and tax costs are 

lower and the conditions for farming 

were good. They can harvest vegetables 

all the year round. Turkey has some 

advantages in terms of its proximity to 

European markets, hygiene, and production 

potential. 

In some critical kinds we sign contracts 

with farmers and quote prices in advance, 

than supply them with seeds, 

fertilizers, and medicines. We assign agricultural 

engineers to them and transport 

their harvests to our facilities. So, 

we do not need to import vegetables. 

In contrast we export red pepper to 

Bulgaria and Greece. 

What do you want to add 

more? 

Pasteurization may harm the milk but 

it makes pickles more durable. People 

may think about pasteurization in opposite 

way, instead it is useful for pickles. 

Sugar in vegetables is turned into first 

glucose then lactic acid that preserve 

the food. The important point in this 

process is not to use salt overdose. 

Higher the salt levels higher the risk of 

high blood pressure and etc. Pasteurization 

reduces the salt level. 

Dubipak is our new product. It is 

made of grilled tomato, green pepper, 

and eggplant, in two versions, hot and 

sweet. We added a variety with walnut 

that was liked by the children. 

We launched also other varieties of 

jams and preserves, including, with sour 

cherry and raspberry, besides, variety 

of pickles made of beans, plums and 

cauliflowers. 

33

Polonez surveyed the 

taste map of Turkey 

Polonez; as based on the information 

obtained from more than 10 thousand 

sales spots it owns throughout Turkey, 

announced which traditional 

tastes are preferred more in 

each region. According to the 

taste map of Turkey, soudjouk 

consumption takes the lead 

among all delicatessen meat 

products. While the east 

of Turkey is more conservative 

in traditional 

tastes, the western 

parts are seeking 

for new tastes and 

differences. 

New tastes such as 

salami, frankfurter and ham have 

become equally indispensable at our 

tables as our traditional tastes such 

as soudjouk, pastrami and roast. These 

tastes transform the pleasure of eating 

into a feast at very different times, 

from breakfast tables to barbecue pleasure, 

from dinner menus to lunchtime 

snacks. 

Polonez General Manager Andaç Günsoy 

said, “We are a brand that is capable 

of following up on the demands 

and requirements of our consumers 

in the field of delicatessen meat products, 

at more than 10 thousand sales 

spot throughout Turkey since 1986. 

We are able to measure the palatal 

delights and taste preferences of our 

consumers very well with our experience 

in the market. While the pursuit 

of new tastes increases continuously in 

certain regions, some regions may be 

very conservative for different tastes. 


And, our goal is to develop our traditional 

tastes even further so that they 

are compatible with the lifestyles and 

requirements of today’s man. What 

is important for us is to increase the 

diversity of functional and innovative 

products in our range even further, as a 

careful producer for the sake of healthy 

and quality nutrition.” 

Here is Turkey’s taste map: 

West of Turkey is more open 

to different tastes 

Marmara, Mediterranean and Aegean 

Regions are very open to innovations. 

Consumers living in these regions prefer 

to test new tastes as well as traditional 

tastes such as soudjouk, pastrami 

and roast. Most of the demand 

received in this direction is for salami, 

frankfurter, ham and smoked meat. 

Soudjouk takes the lead in the 

Central Anatolian Region 

Soudjouk ranks first among the traditional 

tastes in the Central Anatolian 

Region Especially Kayseri and Afyon 

play an important role in soudjouk 

consumption. While the preference for 

soudjouk ranks first in the region, it is 

followed by pastrami and roast respectively. 

Andaç Günsoy 

Polonez General Manager 

Eastern Anatolian Region likes 

hot 

Hot dishes and spices are almost a passion 

for those who live in the Eastern 

Anatolian Region. And, hot spices are 

indispensable for the tables of those 

who say “I can never manage if the 

meal I eat is not hot.” Those who live 

in this region also opt for hot varieties 

in their delicatessen meat products 

selections. The region where the hot 

soudjouk demand is the highest is the 

Eastern Anatolian Region. 

35

Billur Tuz and Fora Zeytin 

introduced to Chinese 

market 

Turkey’s well-known salt brand Billur Tuz and one of the leading olive 

producers Fora Zeytin attended Asia’s largest fair, SIAL CHINA 2017, 

where various brands from 67 different countries were introduced. 

Visitors were attracted by the wide range of products presented by 

Billur Tuz and Fora Zeytin. Olive particularly drew intense interest by 

Chinese visitors, who knew very little about it. 

On 17 to 19th May 2017, two leading 

food marks of Turkey, Billur Tuz and Fora 

Zeytin exhibited the products in SIAL 

CHINA 2017, Asia’s largest food innovation 

exhibition, in Shangai, the biggest 

city at People’s Republic of China. In SIAL 

CHINA 2017, where approximately 3 

thousand exhibitors from 67 countries 

presented their products on a 126 thousand 

500 square meter area and 77 thousand 

people visited, Billur Tuz and Fora 

Zeytin got the visitors’ thumbs up with 

their wide range of products. 

PRODUCT SAMPLES WERE 

CONSUMED QUICKLY 

Billur Tuz was the subject in many of the 

commercial negotiations in the fair with 

its difference creating industrial and table 


products. Knowing little about the olive 

in their daily consumption and culture, 

Chinese visitors were amazed at Fora 

Zeytin’s products. Fora Zeytin’s product 

samples were consumed quickly. 

“CHINA IS A HUGE 

MARKET AND HAS A HIGH 

POTENTIAL” 

Billur Tuz General Director Mutlu Mermer 

stated that People’s Republic of 

China and the neighbouring countries 

had an importance for Turkey’s food 

export and SIAL China 2017 was a 

big opportunity in that respect. He 

said: “China has a very crowded population. 

It’s a huge market and has a very 

high potential in terms of food. There 

is a target group who sympathises imported 

products. They are consent to 

pay more to these products. Supermarkets 

have even created separate 

departments for imported products. 

As Billur Tuz, we have experienced the 

pride of representing our country in 

the best possible way in Asia’s largest 

fair, SIAL China 2017 and taken the 

opportunity of introducing ourselves 

to a new market.” 

“THEY LOVED ORANGE- 

FILLED OLIVE” 

Fora Zeytin General Director Efe 

Yazıcı stated that they were surprised 

at the intense interest in olive and olive 

oil. He said: “Even though China is a 

big market, Chinese people don’t have 

olive in their culture and daily consumption. 

Gift-giving is very important 

in their culture and they give olive oil 

as a gift. They have welcomed different 

taste of olive warmly and curiously. 

Our sample products were consumed 

so quickly that they sufficed barely till 

the last day. They particularly loved 

our orange-filled olives. Naturality 

and healthiness of our products were 

what increased their interest. They also 

showed deep interest in truffle-flavoured 

olive oil and red olive, which 

we coloured naturally. From olives to 

olive oils, they were amazed at all of 

our products on our stand.” 

37

SPECIAL R&D FOR CHINA 

The fair was highly beneficial for Billur 

Tuz and Fora Zeytin; who had pre-interviews 

for a large number of business 

connections, gave their catalogues and 

sample products, and received private 

demands. Both companies are preparing 

to undertake work to take place in 

the huge Chinese market and launch 

R&D activities towards products appealing 

to taste of Chinese people. 

The first and biggest rafined salt factory 

of Turkey, Billur Tuz Ind. Trade. Co. 

started operating in 1964 in İzmir. It is 

also the only refined marine salt producer 

in Turkey. Being the best, most reliable 

and undisputed leader in the field 

of refined salt, Billur Tuz will keep its 

place on your tables and in your kitchens 

with its wide range of products appealing 

to the tastes of Turkish people. 

When it comes to Fora Zeytin, its 

high quality olives and olive oils are 

produced in AntGıda facilities, which 

are equipped with the state of the art 

technology in Havran, Balıkesir. One of 

the biggest olive oil handling facilities of 

the world, AntGıda Corporation was 

founded in 1994. It served as the subsidiary 

of İş Bankası for a long time and 

was bought by Mermerler Grup, one 

of the leading and most prestigious industrial 

groups, in 2014. Fora picks high 

quality olives from the districts producing 

the best olive in Turkey. Olives come 

to AntGıda facilities just after they are 

picked. They are handled in the facilities 

with the state of the art technology 

and reach your table hygienically. 

Environment and health responsibility 

is the first priority in the AntGıda facilities. 

In addition to olive oil products, 

Fora produces Extra-Virgin and Riviera 

oils on a limited scale for those seeking 

taste, health and safety. 


Hospitality 

Week in Dubai 

Dubai, UAE: Despite the short-term 

challenges posed by global macroeconomic 

factors across the GCC, 

the region’s tourism and hospitality 

industry remains on an upward trajectory 

as governments recognize 

the potential of the sector in enabling 

revenue diversification and 

job creation, and actively invest in 

its development. Set to be worth 

$36.7 billion by 2020 according to 

Euromonitor International, and with 

a number of global events that include 

Expo 2020 Dubai scheduled 

to draw millions of visitors to the 


region, the industry is in critical need 

of a dedicated hospitality and foodservice 

platform to support its development.Launching 

during Dubai 

International Hospitality Week, an 

initiative endorsed by Dubai Tourism 

& Commerce Marketing (DTCM), 

GulfHost 2017 is the first dedicated

Dubai, the 

tourism hub of the 

Emirates, hosts 

major events 

and concurrent 

activities, 18-20 

September 2017 

hospitality and food services expo in 

the Middle East. Organized by Dubai 

World Trade Centre (DWTC), which 

also owns and organizes the world’s 

largest annual food trade show Gulfood, 

the new exhibition takes place 

from 18-20 September 2017 and is 

co-located with four other shows. 

These include DWTC’s established 

trio of niche food events – The Speciality 

Food Festival, SEAFEX Middle 

East and yummex Middle East - and 

The Hotel Show, organized by dmg 

events, to enable the full spectrum 

of sourcing for one of the fastest 

41

growing hotel, F&B and tourism markets 

in the world. “Not only does 

Dubai lead the region in hospitality 

and tourism development, in some 

cases it leads the world. From major 

international hotel chains and restaurants 

to top celebrity chefs, and from 

world class tourist attractions to the 

widest range of global cuisines, Dubai 

provides a reference point for even 

the most established of markets. 

With world leading trade events 

such as Gulfood playing a key role in 

bringing more suppliers and visitors 

to Dubai every year than any other 

annual food trade show in the world, 

Dubai truly is on the hospitality and 

F&B map. Hosting Dubai International 

Hospitality Week and co-locating 

five complementary shows adds yet 

another dimension of excellence,” 

said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice 

President, Exhibitions & Events Management 

(DWTC). 

“Dubai is also the gateway for both 


Gulfood 

launches first 

dedicated 

hospitality and 

food service 

expo at Dubai 

International 

Hospitality 

Week 

the west and the east to markets 

such as India, Africa, Asia, Europe, 

and The Middle East all with growing 

hospitality sectors. GulfHost will 

enable buyers to connect with suppliers, 

gain the latest knowledge and 

source from a range of hospitality 

and food service equipment, all within 

the most convenient, organized 

and dedicated arena, and service 

their additional needs at the other 

four co-located shows.” 

A first for the region, GulfHost 

showcases the A-Z of hospitality: a 

full inventory of back of house solutions 

that include commercial ovens 

and culinary equipment, fittings and 

utensils; a wide spectrum of front of 

house elements to help deliver exceptional 

dining experiences that will 

stand out in a competitive market; 

and the latest café and bar counter 

solutions, products and services to 

serve one of the fastest growing coffee 

cultures in the world. 

More than 2,000 exhibitors will participate 

across DIHW, with GulfHost 

alone hosting 16 country pavilions 

and demonstrating the global importance 

of serving the region. Major 

countries include Italy, Spain, UK, 

France, Germany, Portugal, Turkey, 

Greece, China, Korea, Taiwan, India, 

Lebanon, Australia, Netherlands and 

Egypt. 

Key exhibitors at GulfHost include 

A. Ronai, Ali Group, Alto Sham, Cimbali, 

Falcon Kitchen, Henny Penny, La 

Marquise, Manitowoc, The Middleby 

Corporation and RAK Porcelain, 

among many others. With more 

than 40 years of operation in the 

Middle East, leading distributor Rio 

International’s CEO, Abdul Rahman 

Zaki, said: “GulfHost comes at an 

important time in the regional development 

of the hospitality industry. 

Rio International has been operating 

here for over four decades, providing 

top quality and innovative food 

processing and catering equipment 

to customers across the Middle East 

and Asia, and to have a show that 

can focus in an all-encompassing way 

on everything the hospitality trade 

needs is valuable for both us and our 

customers.” A back of house global 

leader in commercial cooking equip- 

43

ment, The Middleby Corporation will 

present a broad range of advanced 

products at GulfHost. The company’s 

Regional Vice President, Nabil El 

Baba highlighted the importance of 

the show for the US organization: 

“As the world leader in commercial 

cooking equipment, it is important 

for The Middleby Corporation to be 

at GulfHost 2017. 

“The growth of hospitality across the 

Middle East and neighboring regions 

is gaining pace every day, and not 

only are we able to provide the most 

advanced equipment, but through 

our leadership in innovation, we’re 

able to help restaurants make enormous 

savings in both time and energy. 

This leads to better operations 

and increased profitability. And that’s 

not all; we also bring green benefits 

to their commercial kitchens which is 

key to sustainable success for us all. 

There’s a reason that our products 

are in one of every three restaurants 

around the world, and GulfHost enables 

us to broaden our reach across 

this key market.” 

With the coffee market in the Middle 

East growing twice as fast as the 

global average in terms of consumption 

(Euromonitor International), 

thanks to a multi-cultural appetite for 

the beverage and 40% of the region’s 

population fitting the coffee culture 

age demographic of 15 -34 years, 

GulfHost will provide a substantial 

platform for coffee equipment suppliers 

and café owners to connect. 

Bruno Pignattelli of the Cimbali 

Group, said: “As a global company 

exporting to over 100 countries 

worldwide, it makes sense for Cimbali 

to participate at GulfHost 2017. 

The coffee business is flourishing in 

the Middle East, and understanding 

that top quality professional espresso 

and cappuccino equipment like 

those produced by Cimbali is the 


est investment that a coffee bar, 

café or restaurant could make. Gulf- 

Host is the right showcase to continue 

to grow our presence across 

the region.” 

Innovation forms a key focus at Gulf- 

Host 2017, with a dedicated Innovation 

Corner showcasing the latest 

cutting-edge technology solutions 

being introduced to elevate commercial 

kitchen performance. The 

show also sees the introduction of 

the Gulfhost Innovation Awards, to 

recognize the innovators and disruptors 

championing new techniques, 

products and technologies within 

the hospitality industry. 

Also taking place during GulfHost, 

in partnership with the International 

Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA) 

Dubai, is the Middle East Food Forum 

– a three day conference enabling 

professionals from all facets of 

the F&B industry to gain insight into 

the opportunities, challenges and 

innovations of their trade. Sessions 

will include franchising, business setup, 

talent management and regional 

F&B regulations & policies, among 

others. A “Dragon’s Den” style competition 

will also take place during 

the forum, offering F&B entrepreneurs 

a chance to pitch their ideas 

to potential investors face to face. 

Sunjeh Raja, CEO ICCA said: “The 

Middle East Food Forum is a relevant 

platform to run alongside Gulfhost 

and we’re delighted to partner with 

this key trade exhibition. Knowledge 

sharing is an important building block 

in the support and development of 

the industry, and our role in facilitating 

this complements the critical 

value GulfHost brings to the regional 

F&B industry.” GulfHost 2017 takes 

place alongside the trio of segmented 

food shows: Speciality Food Festival 

for gourmet, halal and organic 

foods, SEAFEX Middle East, dedicated 

to seafood, and yummex Middle 

East (in partnership with Kölnmesse 

GmbH), the region’s leading international 

trade fair for the confectionery 

and snacks market. The importance 

of Gulfhost is demonstrated by the 

strategic partnerships cemented 

with key industry associations in Europe, 

including the Organizzazione 

Vittorio Caselli (Italy), HKI Hospitality 

Association (Germany), CESA Hospitality 

Association (UK) and AFEHC 

Hospitality Association (Spain). 

All shows are open between from 

18-20 September 2017 and are for 

trade and business professionals only. 

General public and persons under 

the age of 21 will not be permitted 

entry. 

45

Growing appetite for seafood 

drives demand at Middle East’s 

largest dedicated seafood expo 

SEAFEX provides 

key platform for 

international 

suppliers to meet 

regional demand 

expected to reach 

US$ 7.3 billion by 

2021 


DUBAI – Seafood consumption in 

the Middle East continues to grow 

at well above the global average, 

driven by the region’s economic development, 

increasing appeal of the 

healthy protein, and more effective 

supply chain distribution to ensure 

optimum quality of the popular ingredient. 

According to the Food & 

Agricultural Organization (FAO), 

countries such as the UAE consume 

an average of 33kg per capita a year, 

almost double the global average 

of 18kg. It is clear that SEAFEX, the 

region’s largest dedicated seafood 

expo, powered by Gulfood, becomes 

more important every year 

in helping to keep the pipeline of 

seafood between suppliers and the 

F&B, retail and hospitality sectors 

open and flowing. 

Taking place from 18-20 September 

2017 at the Dubai World Trade 

Centre, SEAFEX is one of six hospitality 

and niche food trade shows 

co-located under the umbrella of 

the Dubai International Hospitality 

Week (DIHW). Now in its sixth year, 

SEAFEX has become a key platform 

for the sourcing of seafood from 

around the world, enabling suppliers 

in the region to meet a growing 

demand. According to Euromonitor 

International, the fish and seafood 

market is expected to reach a value 

of US$ 7.3 billion by 2021.

“The market for seafood continues 

to grow at an exceptional rate 

across the region and beyond, not 

only in our restaurants and hotels, 

but also at a retail level as consumers 

make healthier lifestyle 

choices,” said Trixie LohMirmand, 

Senior Vice President, Exhibitions 

& Events Management DWTC. 

“This means that SEAFEX gains 

even more importance and influence 

for professional chefs, catering 

buyers, wholesalers, restaurant 

owners and retail distributors, 

and enables suppliers from the 

key supply countries around the 

world to transact and network.” 

The three-day event will showcase 

the catch of the day from the 

world’s leading names in seafood, 

including Ablona by GMA, Cederberg 

Fishing, Fortuna Seafoods 

BV, Gourmet House, ITC, Ministry 

of Marine Affairs & Fisheries 

Indonesia, Norwegian Seafood 

Council, Ocean Supreme, Taiwan 

Frozen Seafood Industries Association, 

Vega Salmon and Vietnam 

Association of Seafood Exporters 

& Producers (VASEP). 

Of critical importance to seafood 

is refrigeration. Companies such 

as ITC, one of the leading refrigeration 

companies in Thailand 

have gained a reputation both in 

their domestic market and internationally 

for delivering turnkey 

solutions. SEAFEX offers ITC the 

opportunity to showcase their 

latest freeze-drying technology 

applied in their newest product 

– the Kryo’D freezer. Warot Lamlertpongpana, 

Coordinator for 

ITC said: “Our newly launched 

Kryo’D freezer was developed 

in collaboration with Thailand’s 

top university, KMITL, and uses an 

47

innovative approach to freeze drying 

that ensures the absolute freshness 

of the seafood is captured and 

maintained. We are confident in the 

demand for this excellent product, 

as well as our spiral freezer during 

SEAFEX.” 

SEAFEX is conveniently co-located 

with two other niche gourmet food 

shows The Speciality Food Festival, 

the region’s only dedicated gourmet 

and fine food show for the food 

and hospitality industry and yummex 

Middle East, the region’s only 

dedicated showcase for the sweets, 

snacks, chocolate, bakery and ice 

cream industry. DWTC’s fourth 

show co-located under Dubai International 

Hospitality Week is the 

much anticipated GulfHost expo 

for the hospitality and food services 

sectors, and takes place alongside 

dmg’s The Hotel Show and The Leisure 

Show. The show brings together 

2,000 exhibitors from the world’s 

top hospitality brands from across 

the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa 

and the Middle East. 


11 th yummex Middle East: 

a sweet show! 

The sweets and snacks market in 

the MENA region is showing above 

average growth 

yummex Middle East is the place to be 

for everyone in the sweets and snacks 

industry in the MENA region: Growing 

as rapidly as the region’s markets, it 

brings together the world’s best products 

and region’s quality buyers. It is 

the industry‘s most important meeting 

place in the entire region. 

In 2017, things are even getting better: 

The fair is co-located with The Speciality 

Food Festival and SEAFEX under the 

roof of Dubai International Hospitality 

Week (DIHW) – the region’s biggest 

F+B, hospitality and food service event 

ever! Get your piece of the pie! Meet 

the industry’s most important exhibitors, 

buyers and decision makers, benefit 

from strong synergy effects – and 

become part of this unique occasion 

in one of the fastest growing regions in 

the world! yummex Middle East (ME) 

continues its success story under a new 

trade fair umbrella: from 18 to 20 September, 

the international trade fair for 

sweets and snacks in the MENA region 

will present itself in the context of the 

“Dubai International Hospitality Week”, 

together with the “Speciality Food Festival” 

and the “SEAFEX”. The signs for 

this year’s event are good: more than 

370 companies from more than 40 

countries have announced their trade 

fair participation. Many top companies 

like Cavalier (Belgium), Destrooper-Olivier 

(Belgium), Jelly Belly (USA), Katjes 

(Germany), Ragolds (Germany), Configirona 

(Spain) and Del Conte (Italy) will 

present their products and innovations 


at the trend and performance show for 

sweets and snacks. The countries with 

the strongest participation are Egypt, 

Belgium, Germany, India, Malaysia, 

Turkey and the USA. 19 regional and 

international pavilions, as well as the 

first-time participation of exhibitors 

from Armenia, Rumania and Switzerland 

emphasise the very high level of 

internationality and exhibitor quality 

of the event. The yummex ME is firmly 

established as an industry platform 

in the MENA region and is organized 

by Koelnmesse and the Dubai World 

Trade Centre. 

“Following the successful anniversary of 

the previous year, yummex ME 2017 

will offer expanded access to the attractive 

hospitality and foodservice 

market in the region with its new setup 

in the context of the Dubai Hospitality 

Week and emphasise the importance 

of global trends for regional markets”, 

according to Denis Steker, Vice President 

International of Koelnmesse. “Together 

with the other trade fairs taking 

place simultaneously, yummex ME optimally 

addresses the great demand in 

the retail and hospitality areas.” Exhibitors 

and visitors from the hotel industry, 

food service and the retail business 

profit from the positive market situation 

51

in the region and can make use of attractive 

synergy effects. In Dubai they 

will find ideal possibilities for opening 

up new potential for successful business 

development in the MENA region, 

including in the constantly growing hospitality 

and food service segments. 

Numerous attractive partnerships with 

trading companies, as well as with important 

buyers of sweets and snacks 

from the hotel industry and food services, 

for example, with Carrefour, Dubai 

Duty Free, Emirates Flight Catering, the 

Jumeirah Group, the Rotana Group and 

Spinneys contribute effectively to the 

success of the trade fair. Thanks to the 

booming market situation in the MENA 

region, they promise further attractive 

business potential. 

Over 370 

exhibitors 

from more 

than 40 

countries 

The “Dubai International Hospitality 

Week” offers business and trade contacts 

for a successful market entry into 

the MENA region across the board. 

Especially the sweets and snacks segment 

offers great potential: according 

to studies of Euromonitor International, 

the sales value of this segment in the 

MENA region has been growing twice 

as strong as the global average. The 

chocolate sweets segment has been 

growing by five percent each year in the 

MENA region since 2011, in contrast 

with the global average of two percent. 

Growth in the savory snacks segment 

is also strong, amounting to six percent 

annually since 2011, and is thus twice 

as strong as the global average increase 

of three percent. 

Innovation Awards and Innova 

Market Insights 

Already for the fourth time now, the 

yummex Innovation Awards for especially 

innovative products will be awarded 

in the categories “Chocolate”, “Hard 

& Soft Candy”, “Bakery Products” and 

“Snacks”. Until 11 August, registered 

exhibitors still have the possibility to 

submit their trendsetter products for 

the competition. The winners will be 

chosen by an independent jury and can 


exhibit their products at yummex ME and ISM, 

the world’s largest trade fair for sweets and snacks, 

which takes place from 28-31 January 2018 in 

Cologne. Innova Market Insights is also placing the 

theme of innovations on its agenda. The internationally 

renowned company will present the most 

important global trends defining the snacks and 

sweets world in 2017 at yummex ME, as well as 

their implications and their transfer to the diversified 

and high-contrast market in the MENA region. 

These include, for example, Clean Label and innovative 

flavours as a premium strategy for marketing. 

Exhibitors and visitors in this way receive 

unique insights into the world of sweets, snacks, 

aromas and additives. First class, handmade ice 

cream creations from an international field of 

competitors will also once again be distinguished 

with the Gelato Cup. 

53

Beypazari Natural 

Mineral Water awarded 

four times in a year 

Niyazi Ercan, 

Chairman of the Board of Beypazari 

‘2017 Lobin Consumer Quality 

Awards’ were given at the International 

Consumer Summit at Çırağan 

Palace in Istanbul.During the event, 

Beypazari Natural Mineral Water was 

awarded as well. Niyazi Ercan, Chairman 

of the Board of Beypazarı Maden 

Suyu-Beypazarı Natural Mineral Water, 

said, “Beypazarı Natural Mineral 

Water, with half a century of experience, 

has been established in 1957 

as a family business. The Company, 

operating under the management of 

the second generation, protects and 

warns its consumers on the healthy 

drinks. Beypazarı Maden Suyu which 

is able to fill 300 thousand bottles 

an hour, closely follows the industrial 

developments in its area of specialization. 

Beypazarı Maden Suyu is the 

most trusted mineral water brand for 

human health due to its mineral content 

and hygiene. The brand is considered 

as a remarkable and recognized 

one for the consumers at home and 

abroad.” Niyazi Ercan pointed out, 

“The beverage sector has a wide 

variety of portfolio no less than the 


eating sector. As is the case for every 

thing, everybody should consume natural 

and healthy products. We should 

care for health as much as we care 

for tastes of drinks. When it comes to 

mineral waters. I believe that this market 

will develop and increase further 

in the future because the importance 

of mineralwater and its contribution 

to the health and healthy life. The easiest 

and heathiest way of regaining the 

minerals lost during the day is to drink 

healthy mineral water. Bottled in glass, 

Beypazari Natural Mineral Waters are 

pleasurably consumed nation wide 

and are exported to a big geography.” 

“The easiest and heathiest way of regaining 

the minerals lost during the 

day is to drink healthy mineral water. 

Drinking mineral water has nothing 

to do with age, place or time. Moms 

who want their babies and themselves 

healthy, should drink mineral 

water during their pregnancy period 

to meet their daily calcium and magnesium 

requirement. They should get 

their children to drink it so that they 

have healthy grow of teeth, bone and 

body development.” 

He added, “As for Beypazarı Natural 

Mineral Water, quality is not a department, 

it is a mindset that has become 

part of the company ethic and is embraced 

by every person from top 

management to the workers on the 

factory floor.” 

55

TGDF Chairman Kopuz: 

“Food industry is being 

turned into a target” 

Chairman of the Turkish Food and Drink Industry Associations 

Federation (TGDF), Semsi Kopuz said that everyone, having any 

background knowledge or not, are unjustly blaming the food industry 

for inflation: “Some people are almost leading a campaign to discredit 

food industry in the eyes of the society.” 

The annual evaluation meeting of the 

Turkish Food and Drink Industry Associations 

Federation (TGDF) was held 

on May 17. 

TGDF is the most competent representative 

of the food sector with 26 

associations as its members. In the 

meeting, the Chairman of TGDF, Şemsi 

Kopuz, assessed the subjects in the 

agenda of food industry, while the Secretary 

General, İlknur Menlik, shared 

the latest data regarding European 

and Turkish Food Industry, citing from 

“Turkish Food and Drink Industry Inventory 

2016” published by Gıdahattı. 

European Food and Drink 

Industry 

According to Menlik; European Food 

and Drink Industry, as the largest sector 

of EU in terms of turnover, value 

added and employment, is creating 

jobs to 4.25 million people with 

289,000 enterprises, 1,089 billion euros 

turnover and more than 150 billion 

euros foreign trade. 

European Food and Drink Industry 

had an export volume of 98.1 billion 

euros in 2015, where the foreign trade 

surplus became 25.2 billion euros. 

Global food and beverage exports increased 

by more than 2 folds between 


Semsi Kopuz 

2005 and 2014; with the largest exporters 

being EU, US, China and Brazil. 

The largest importers were US, EU, 

Japan, China and Canada at the same 

time period. 

Turkish Food and Drink 

Industry 

According to the “Annual Industrial and 

Service Statistics 2015” released by the 

TUIK in 2016, More than 485 people 

are employed in the 42,520 enterprises 

operating in the Turkish Food and 

Drink Industry. The total production of 

enterprises rose from TL 152.4 billion 

in 2014 to TL 171.4 billion in 2015, increasing 

by 12.5 percent.

Within the framework of the Gross 

Domestic Product (GDP) data calculated 

regarding TURKSTAT’s expenditure 

method, Turkish economy has 

grown 2.3 times compared to current 

prices between 2009 and 2015, and 

has increased from 999 billion TL to 

2,338 billion TL, while Food and Drink 

Industry grew by 2.2 times to TL 321 

billion from TL 145 billion. 

“Food is one of the 

locomotive sectors of the 

economy” 

According to TGDF Secretary General 

İlknur Menlik, the food sector is one of 

the locomotive sectors of the Turkish 

economy with both the value added 

and export volume it has created: “The 

value added created by food and beverage 

industry enterprises increased by 

15.6 percent and reached 27 billion TL 

in 2015.” 

The Turkish food sector is one of the 

leading sectors in terms of foreign trade 

surplus. Food and beverage exports 

decreased by 6.9 percent to USD 11 

billion and imports declined by 2.5 percent 

to USD 5.6 billion in 2016 due to 

Russian embargo and conflicts in surrounding 

regions. In 2016, the foreign 

trade surplus was 5.6 billion dollars and 

the foreign trade coverage rate was 

199.6 percent. 

“Turkey is cheaper than 

European countries” 

Menlik, drawing attention to the index 

results of the price levels of food and 

nonalcoholic beverages in 37 European 

countries including Turkey, said that the 

most expensive country has been Switzerland 

with an index value of 172.2 

in 2015, and the cheapest country has 

been Macedonia with 58. Price index 

in Turkey became 89.2, below the EU 

average, and Turkey ranked 23rd. 

Increase in food prices 

Menlik, who also shares data on price 

changes in foods and drinks, said that 

year-on-year increases in food and 

nonalcoholic beverage prices in 2016 

were lower than in the same month of 

the previous year, except for January 

and July, according to the Consumer 

Price Index (CPI) announced by Turkish 

Statistics Agency Turkstat. 

“The Food Price Index of UN Food 

and Agriculture Organization, which reflects 

the price changes in the international 

trade of the five main commodities 

on a monthly basis, namely grain, 

meat, dairy products, vegetable oil and 

sugar, closed 2016 with a decline for 

the fifth consecutive year. However, the 

index, which made a rapid start to the 

year 2017, reached its highest level in 

last two years in February with 175.5 

points. 

It should be kept in mind that changes 

in global food prices have taken place 

parallel to global supply expectations 

of FAO and other international organizations 

regarding the five product 

groups. Indeed, the reasons behind the 

decline in prices in 2015 are stated 

as the strong supply growth, weakening 

demand due to the general economic 

slowdown, low oil prices and 

already high stocks, according to the 

2016-2025 OECD-FAO Agricultural 

Outlook Report.” said TGDF Secretary 

General Menlik. 

TGDF Chairman Şemsi 

Kopuz “Food is a field where 

everyone states an opinion” 

TGDF Chairman Şemsi Kopuz, who 

started his speech by expressing the 

pleasure of being together with the 

members of the media before the 

month of Ramadan, said that the country 

passed through quite a difficult period 

but very fortunately this period was 

left behind together as a nation. 

“Unfortunately food is a field where 

everyone has an opinion, but no one’s 

level of knowledge is questioned. This 

is natural, because food is at the top 

of topics that occupy the largest space 

in our lives. If we assume that we eat 

3 meals a day, this means we think of 

“food” at least 3 times a day. In other 

words, our industry occupies space on 

everyone’s agenda at least 3 times a 

day. So everyone states an opinion regardless 

of their knowledge. Especially 

lately, food prices are being discussed 

a lot.” 

57

“Project to Discredit the 

Food Industry” 

“According to a research, food inflation 

was the subject of more than 8,000 

news in April; 1.592 in printed press, 

108 in visual press and 6.378 in the internet 

media. 

When we look at the rhetoric and the 

allegations here, we see that the food 

industry is unfairly and single handedly 

turned into a target as the “influencer 

of the inflation”. In other words, some 

people constantly and regularly conduct 

a project to discredit the food industry 

in the eyes of the society. 

The actions of those who try to gain 

public reputation by disgracing the 

food industrialists will not be successful, 

because what they tell is not true.” 

CB’s emphasis to 

“Unprocessed food” 

Recalling that the annual increase in 

food and nonalcoholic beverage prices 

in 2016 were at a lower rate than the 

same months of the previous year— 

excluding January and July—Kopuz 

pointed out the “unprocessed food” 

emphasis in the Central Bank’s evaluations. 

Underlining that agriculture is a sector 

which is directly affected by seasonal 

and climatic conditions; Kopuz said that 

Turkey, as well as the whole world faces 

declines in product supply with climate 

change, which in turn causes price increases. 

“Moreover, agricultural land is becoming 

increasingly shrinking year by year 

and the yield is decreasing due to soil 

degradation. In this sense, the Ministry 

of Food, Agriculture and Livestock 

should be credited for deciding to classify 

arable lands as officially protected 

areas.” 

Kopuz emphasized that the negativities 

in the export of agricultural products 

are another factor affecting the supply 

and he explained this with the tomato 

example which is the most recent 

agenda item. 

“Russia has banned imports of agricultural 

and food products from Turkey 

as of January 2016, due to the plane 

crisis that broke out in November 

2015. While the restrictions on some 

crops were lifted in the normalization 

period in our relations, the prohibition 

on tomatoes, the most important item 

in our agricultural exports, has not yet 

been lifted. 

Despite not being exported to Russia, 

tomatoes were being sold for 10 TL 

per kilogram at markets until last week. 

Why? Because, with the ban of Russia, 

the farmers especially in the Mediterranean 

region came out of tomato 

production, thinking that the exports 

will decrease and they will be left with 

surplus product. 

We see that we are compensating our 

losses in exports in 2016 this year as 

our exporters turn to new markets 


while prices are declining with the introduction 

of field crop tomatoes in 

recently.” 

“Studies of the Food 

Committee are crucial” 

Kopuz pointed out that the price fluctuations 

in unprocessed food products 

as the main raw material have affected 

the food industry seriously, in terms of 

both costs and interruption of the supply 

chain. He described the work of the 

Food Committee, which was formed 

under the chairmanship of Deputy 

Prime Minister Mehmet Şimşek, as crucial. 

“The success of the measures that the 

committee will take against fluctuations 

in the price of agricultural products will 

alleviate the difficulties that the industry 

has in supply, as it will give the public 

access to cheaper food.” 

Comparison with global food 

prices 

TGDF Chairman Kopuz criticized 

claims like “food prices are decreasing 

globally but rising in Turkey” and 

stressed that it is not possible to comment 

on decline or increase in global 

food prices looking at an index reflecting 

monthly changes. 

Underlining that OECD-FAO predicts 

a slowdown in the growth of agriculture 

trade and demand for food in the 

next 10 years, Kopuz noted that there 

are many uncertainties such as oil prices, 

crop yields and changes in economic 

growth, as well as the climate change 

factor which affect the food-related 

projections. Kopuz continued as follows: 

“National Agriculture Project 

is very important” 

“It is impossible to separate agricultural 

production and the climate change 

which will also affect our country, as 

the experts say. Measures must be taken 

against climate change swiftly, which 

will inevitably cause loss in agricultural 

production in our country. 

At this point, I would like to point out 

that I find that the National Agricultural 

Project, which the Ministry of Food, Agriculture 

and Livestock put into practice, 

is very important. Moving towards 

appropriate product design in the 

basins announced by the Ministry will 

result in the efficient use of resources 

and the correct use of the supports allocated 

for agriculture.” 

What will be food prices 

during Ramadan? 

Kopuz said that every year, when the 

month of Ramadan approaches, a 

growing debate starts whether or not 

the food prices will increase: 

“The period when we stocked food 

in our homes with the prediction that 

prices will increase in Ramadan are 

now behind. Thank goodness, it is possible 

to find all kinds of food products 

in Turkey on market shelves all the 

time. In general, it is not possible to talk 

about a problem in food. 

However, especially in the pulses such 

as chickpeas and dried beans, price 

increases have occurred in the world 

and in our country depending on the 

shortage of production in the recent 

period and our decision to temporarily 

reduce the import tax in chickpea has 

come into effect. Regarding the price of 

red lentils, there has been no rise compared 

to last year. Hence, we do not 

expect price increases in pulses and 

legumes due to Ramadan. 

Information pollution 

regarding foods 

What we want from the consumers is 

that they prefer packaged food products 

that are produced by companies 

accredited by the Ministry, and have 

production place, production date, 

best-before date and content information 

on the label in Ramadan, like it 

should be during the rest of the year. 

This is the first and foremost condition 

of safe food consumption to live 

healthy, free from any doubts. 

59

At this point, we also want to draw 

attention to the information pollution 

created by discourses that encourage 

people to consume products that are 

sold in the open, where it is unknown 

where and under which conditions 

they were produced 

Some people who do not have enough 

knowledge continue to encourage the 

consumption of foods that poses a 

risk for public health. As the sector, we 

continue our efforts to raise consumer 

awareness against rumors that do not 

have any scientific basis. In this regard, 

I call the media to show a little more 

sensitivity, a little more responsibility.” 

GMP document problem with 

exports to Iran 

Kopuz also mentioned the difficulties 

experienced recently in an important 

exports market, Iran. Recalling that 

the food companies, especially in the 

confectionery sector, got GMP (Good 

Manufacturing Practices) documents 

from the competent authorities of 

importer firms in this country, Kopuz 

said that the complaints are increasing 

regarding Iranian authorities resisting 

to renew the documents. “Our firms 

are facing a serious problem because 

they cannot export to Iran without this 

document. Our expectation from the 

government is to speed up political initiatives 

and put an end to unfair treatment 

of our companies. Otherwise we 

will have losses in our exports to Iran. 


Assan Foods introduced 

its products in Dubai 

Gulfood Fair 

Kingtom paste, 

ketchup, 

mayonnaise 

products and 

Colorado sauce 

group products 

of Assan Foods 

attracted a great 

deal of interest in 

Dubai Gulfood, 

one of the most 

important food 

fairs in the world. 


Assan Foods, the largest ketchup and 

sauce exporter of Turkey, introduced 

its products in Gulfood Fair being 

among the most important food and 

beverage industry events of the world. 

Having participated in the fair organized 

between the dates of 26 February - 2 

March in Dubai in cooperation with 

Istanbul Cereals Pulses Oil Seeds and 

Products Exporters’ Association, Assan 

Foods came together with company 

representatives from many fields such 

as beverages, food and luxury food 

products, catering and store design. 

Introducing Kingtom paste, ketchup, 

mayonnaise products and Colorado 

sauce group products in Dubai Gulfood 

Fair, which was participated by 

more than 110 countries, Assan Foods 

Company came together with its prospective 

customers and had the opportunity 

to have talks for new business 

contacts. 

Mutlu Tanberk 

Marketing Manager at Assan Foods

Assan products are exported 

to more than 30 countries in 

4 continents 

Being the largest ketchup and sauce 

exporter of Turkey, Assan Foods carries 

on exports to more than 30 countries 

in 4 continents. The company 

produces paste for many countries in 

the Middle East, Caucasus and ketchup 

and sauce products for especially chain 

department stores in Europe. Besides, 

it delivers paste, red pepper paste and 

pepper water to multinational companies 

in many countries around the 

world as raw material. 

Having today an investment value 

above 50 Million USD, Assan Foods 

operates in two plants in Susurluk 

and Aegean Free Zone. The factory of 

Assan Foods in Susurluk is the facility 

having the highest tomato processing 

capacity at a single location in Turkey. 

The plant is capable of processing 4 

thousand 500 tons of fresh tomato 

a day. Being able to produce 1.5 Mio 

products, Assan Foods produces about 

300 products among which are superior 

quality tomato paste, ketchup, tomato 

sauces, mayonnaise and a variety of 

other products. 

Assan Foods plans to complete its new 

investment of 6 Million Euro in 2017 in 

order to modernize its facilities. 

63

“The best honey is the 

one under control” 

Started to build a facility as one of the top ten in the world, 

Anavarza aims to reach the palate tastes of the masses 

with its cream honey and powdered honey varieties. 

We made an interview with General 

manager of Anavarza, Can Sezen, who 

informed us about his company, beekeeping, 

and the products they have. 

Who is Anavarza? 

Kozan is a province that produces honey 

the most in Turkey, where about 

2500 beekeeping families have been 

living. We buy their products and honey’s 

of other producers in the country. 

We invested in 10 million TL in two 

decades. With our latest investment 

on the analysis of honey and for more 

production we aimed to be one of the 

top ten in the world. 

If honey is pure, it may be crystalized, 

in about two months to a year. If it 

was crystalized we can only say that it 

is natural, but we can not say that it is 

chemical free. 

How many analyses do you 

make? 

We test for about seventy kinds of 

variables; some are related with naturalness, 

some are for heavy metals, and 

antibiotic residues. They are important 

for the health of the consumers. 

Besides of the tests for pureness and 

being healthy, the tastes are tested by 

a committee of seven who taste all 

the products. The members have been 

educated in the university and became 

gourmets for honey. 

How much honey is produced 

in Turkey? What is your share? 

According to TUIK figures for 2016, 

105 thousand tons of honey is produced 

by about seven million of bee 

colonies, that means that we are the 

second largest producer of honey in 


the world. A beehive contains about 60 

to 80 thousand honey varieties on average. 

We as Anavarza, process about 

2500 tons of honey annually, and the 

second largest producer in Turkey. 

What is the position of 

beekeeping in Turkey in the 

world? What is your solution 

for integrating technology 

with nature life? 

Turkey has some problems in export 

markets, because it does not produce 

value added varieties of bee products, 

including pollen, propolis, bee milk and 

bee stew. We can not compete on 

price in the world. The taste of Turkish 

honey is great, the best in the world. 

Chine is the largest honey producer 

who produce 150 thousand tons annually. 

Now people know more 

about propolises, pollens, 

bee milk and bee stews. How 

is your process to produce 

these products? 

After the honey is brought us from 

original beekeepers, first we control 

them, and than filter and package them. 

That is so simple. Our mission is to take 

them to the consumers. 

Pollen is the nectar obtained from 

flowers by bees. They carry them to 

Can Sezen, 

General manager of Anavarza 

the beehive and start processing them 

into honey. There are traps for pollens 

in beehive. Bee milk is the food prepared 

for feeding the queen bee, which 

can be alive for 6 to 8 months. Their 

lives are down up to 4 to 6 month 

when they are fed with normal honey. 

Propolis is prepared by bees with an 

aim to cover the fissures in the beehive 

and an antibiotic. Bee stew is obtained 

from the tail of bees without killing 

them using delicate equipment. 

What is the source of the 

best honey in Turkey? 

The best honey is the kind that passes 

the tests. If you ask it for taste, there 

are several locations for the best taste. 

Fumed honey is produced in Diyarbakir, 

cotton is widespread in Urfa. The 

difference comes from the characteristics 

of flora. We buy from all regions 

and locations of Anatolia. 

Some people prefer the honey 

in frames. Are they safe for 

health? 

They may contain antibiotics. This is not 

a fraud. Beekeepers apply antibiotics on 

bees to keep them healthy. But, if they 

do not observe the prescriptions or 

dozes, honey contain antibiotics. There 

may be heavy metals or lead in the 

65

honey obtained from beehives located 

so near to the roads. Heavy metals 

and lead are poisonous. Or there may 

be pesticides. So, tests and controls are 

necessary. 

What is your share in 

domestic market? 

It is about 14 to 15 percent. Top brand 

has a share of % 40 to 44. There are 

about five hundred packaging companies. 

A few of them are producing at 

world standards. 

What and where are your 

activities in abroad? 

We have a distribution center in Holland. 

We reach to west European markets 

from this center. One of our ambitious 

targets is to sell to China, another 

largest producer of honey. Turkey has 

several advantages over Chinese honey 

because it has variety of flora and 

endemic plants in Turkey. We plan to 

sell first our cream honey to Chinese. 

Did you produce first this 

creamy honey? What are they 

characteristics? 

Yes, we did it first. No additives in it and 

produced of % 100 pure honey. Children 

who do not eat honey can have 

this similar to hazelnut cream on bread. 


You have a gourmet set as a 

value added product variety. 

How is it possible to have 

gourmet products? 

Gourmet products are produced in 

limited amount. We offer them on 

preferences of consumers. There are 

hundreds of varieties in our product 

line such as honey of locust bean, keven 

thyme, citrus flower, chestnut flower, 

and lime. 

Do you have sufficient supply 

capacity to meet demands 

from Chinese buyers? Do you 

have any plans to invest to 

expand your capacity? 

We have enough capacity, about 8.5 

thousand tons, presently. Now, we 

fulfilled three thousand tons of this 

capacity. Since honey is a naturally 

produced food, the capacity is limited. 

Sometimes, we become out of stock 

for certain kind of honeys. The powder 

honey that we make it first in Turkey 

will contribute to the consumption of 

honey in the food industry. Recently, we 

started to produce powdered honey 

to be sold to food companies. 

To sell more of our products we started 

a campaign that we called, Anavarza 

Children Theater, to tell about the 

importance of honey. We already have 

reached to about 20 thousand children. 

What do you want to the 

consumers? What can they do 

in order not to be deceived? 

Consumers should be keen on consuming 

only branded products and inspect 

all gradients on labels. They have 

to beware of the sellers on roads, and 

open markets, because these products 

may be natural but, what about their 

hygienic conditions. We are having several 

programs with an aim to establish 

close contacts with universities, consumer 

associations and media. All of us 

should inform public about our industry 

with right messages undersigned by 

all of our partners.

Turkish strawberries head 

to Russia once again 

The Federal Customs Service of Russia 

(FTS) announced that Turkey has resumed 

its export of grapes and strawberries 

to Russia. According to the institution, 

Russia has imported a total of 

322.18 tons of strawberries and nearly 

3 tons of grapes from Turkey. 

In the meantime, the two countries 

are expected to hold talks about the 

export of Turkish tomatoes to Russia, 

Russia’s deputy Minister of Economic 

Development Aleksei Gruzdev announced. 

The institution reiterated that the government 

decree stipulating the removal 

of the import ban on certain agricultural 

produce from Turkey went into 

effect on June 10. However, the ban on 

tomatoes remains, but is expected to 

be lifted sometime between November 

and April. 

67

Turkey’s olive 

oil and table 

olives – ancient 

traditional 

taste of 

Mediterranean 

cuisine 


Having the longest 

coastline on the 

Mediterranean 

Sea, Turkey has 

been one of the 

major producers 

of olives among 

Mediterranean 

countries. Thus, 

olive oil traditions 

and dishes have 

been the pride of 

Turkish cuisine 

since the time of 

the Ottomans. 

Ministry of Economy has recently 

released the latest info about world 

famous Turkish olives and olive oil. 

“Treasured since ancient times for 

their excellent nutritional quality, olives 

and olive oil have always been 

essential com- ponent of 

the diet 

in many 

Mediterranean 

civilizations, especially 

those located in Anatolia,” the Ministry 

said. The report follows: 

“As a versatile ingredient, olive oil 

has been used not only as a flavor 

enhancer in various dishes, but also 

as a medicine for healing wounds, as 

fuel for lamps and as cosmetics for 

the hair and skin in different cultures. 

Considered sacred, it has been 

the symbol of peace and richness 

connecting three continents 

in one soul. Although 

the olive tree is native to the 

eastern Mediterranean basin, 

it gradually spread westwards 

beyond Turkey into Europe 

thanks to its increased importance 

as a source of edible oil. 

Having the longest coastline on the 

Mediterranean Sea, Turkey has been 

one of the major producers of olives 

among Mediterranean countries. 

Thus, olive oil traditions and dishes 

have been the pride of Turkish cuisine 

since the time of the Ottomans. Likewise, 

table olives have been a staple 

at every Turkish breakfast, generally 

beside a slice of bread and traditional 

white cheese. Today, Turkey supplies 

olives and olive oil of Mediterranean 

cuisine all over the world. 

HEALTHY FOOD FOR ALL 

AGES 

Olives and olive oil are appreciated 

not only for their nutritional quality 

but also for their health benefits. 

Among edible oils, olive oil is the only 

one that can be produced by physical 

methods from a fresh fruit and 

can be consumed immediately after 

pressing the olive, like fruit juice. Likewise, 

a complex process, other 

than treatment with either dry 

salt or brine, is not required to 

69

produce table olives. Namely, olive 

oil and table olives are pure, natural, 

healthy products that require minimal 

processing. Today, olive oil is increasingly 

present on the food scene as the 

healthiest alternative to other edible 

oils. Olive oil is rich in natural anti-oxidants 

such as vitamin E, which help to 

eliminate free radicals from the body. 

In addition to providing nutrients to 

the skin, this divine elixir protects and 

softens the face and body, maintaining 

a young, healthy and beautiful appearance. 

Olive and Olive Oil Production of Turkey (1000 Tons) 

PRODUCTION 

Olives grow best in warm temperatures, 

and cannot tolerate extreme 

climatic conditions. The Mediterranean 

region, owing to its mild climate, 

contains 98% of the olive harvest 

and 95% of the olive oil production 

in the world. Harvesting and processing 

of olives are carried out between 

November and March. Around 76% 

of the olives produced in Turkey are 

pressed for oil and the rest are reserved 

for table olives. 

In Turkey, olive oil production has 

undergone remarkable developments 

since the eighties and more 

and more olive oil plants have either 

started to produce virgin olive oil or 

increased their production capacity. 

Today, Turkey has large-scale olive oil 

plants with modern bottling lines. Table 

olives are also produced in modern 

plants equipped with advanced 

technology, which enables them to 

comply with the standards of hygienic 

packaging. High quality production 

of table 

olives is 

done 


i 

n 

retail packs such as cans, glass jars 

and/or vacuum packed bags. There 

are compulsory export standards 

for table olives and olive oil in Turkey, 

thus, production in all plants conforms 

to the standards of the Turkish 

Standards Institute (TSE), which 

are also consistent with the international 

standards. 

Olive oil is classified as “extra virgin”, 

“virgin”, “refined” and “riviera” (a 

blend of virgin and refined olive oil 

that is called “olive oil” in international 

standards) based on the means of 

production as well as the physical 

properties and organoleptic characteristics 

of the product. Due to the 

preferences of consumers who are 

less familiar with the natural taste

Olive Oil Export Markets of Turkey 

Table Olive Export Markets of Turkey 

of olive oil, some are also produced 

with added flavorings such as garlic, 

onion, nutmeg, fresh thyme, basil or 

bay leaves. 

In international standards, table olives 

are classified as “green olives”, “olives 

turning color” and “black olives”. They 

are commercially produced in the 

forms of “stoned”, “stuffed” (with pimento, 

capers, etc.), “halved”, “sliced”, 

“paste” as well as “whole” olives. It 

is quite common in Turkey to start 

the day by having a rich breakfast 

including this nutritious food, which 

contains abundant calcium, iron and 

vitamin A. There are few countries in 

the world which have a consumption 

pattern of olives close to Turkey but 

according to one’s palate, olives can 

also be used in the preparation of 

various dishes. Olives are put in pizzas, 

salads and cooked dishes as an ingredient 

and/or eaten as an appetizer 

usually to accompany a drink. 

EXPORTS 

Being a net exporter of olive oil, Turkey 

supplies the variety of olive oil to 

a wide range of countries including 

71

major producer countries that either 

consume or re-export Turkish olive 

oil. Turkish olive oil is demanded from 

every part of the world and there are 

more than hundred countries that 

have experienced the excellent taste 

and fragrance of Turkish olive oil such 

as the EU, the USA, Saudi Arabia, Japan, 

South Korea, Philippines, Australia 

and the Russian Federation. 

Germany, Iraq, Romania, the USA and 

Bulgaria are the most important export 

markets for table olives, representing 

about 76.4% of the exports 

for the last year. Germany maintains 

first place in Turkish olive exports 

with 32% of the value exported. 

Although organic production still occupies 

a small proportion of the total 

area and output of olives, Turkey’s organic 

olive and olive oil exports are 

also rising in parallel with the healthier 

consumption trends in the world. 

Despite production fluctuatiations 

due to the periodicity of the olive 

tree, exports of table olives have 

been continuously growing over the 

last years. In 2016, the export value 

of table olives was US$ 117.4 million. 


Erpilic to 

expand 

Turkey meat 

market 

with a new 

investment 

worth 45 

million 

Erpilic, as the strong brand of fowl industry and one of the 100 

largest industrial organizations in Turkey, acquired Bolca Hindi 

turkey brand name with the approach of ‘national capital national 

growth.’ Aiming to increase yearly turkey meat consumption from 

0.7 grams to 1 kg per person within three years, Erpilic will expand 

the market of turkey meat which is considered as a much cheaper 

alternative to red meat with its rich protein ingredients and low 

saturated fat content. 

Estimating a new investment worth 45 

million TL for stock production, modernization 

of slaughterhouse and capacity 

increase for the first stage, Erpilic 

plans to make turkey meat more easily 

accessible by providing support with its 

logistics and distribution facilities. Projecting 

an active growth in export markets 

as well, Erpilic plans to export all 

over the world, starting with the nearest 

locations, by increasing its product 

diversification. 

As one of the largest 4 integrated 

chicken manufacturing companies in 

Turkey with a yearly production of 

178 thousand 200 tons of fowl, Erpilic 

increases its share and power in the 

market through its new investment in 

poultry sector. Acquiring a brand of its 

own nationality through an investment 

worth approx. TL 55 million during a 

period of economical recession, Erpilic 

plans to popularize turkey meat which 

has not yet been discovered with its 


ich content of protein and low price 

which makes it accessible to every 

household. 

Aggressive objectives in turkey 

meat market… 

Erpilic puts forth aggressive objectives 

within the following five-year period for 

Bolca Hindi, market share of which was 

27 per cent last year. 61 per cent of animal 

protein need in Turkey is met with 

poultry and the highest share within 

this rate belongs to chicken meat. In 

2016, poultry production was approx. 

2 million tons while this figure was only 

50 thousand tons in turkey meat… Erpilic 

plans to raise turkey meat to an 

important level in exportation which 

could not grow until today due to deficiencies 

in logistics, production and 

capital despite its protein content equal 

to red meat and economical price. 

The brand aims an aggressive growth 

in markets with a large consumption 

rate of turkey meat such as Russia after 

having conducted serious analyses 

on these markets. Estimating a new investment 

worth 45 million TL for stock 

production, modernization of slaughterhouse 

and capacity increase for the 

first stage, the brand plans to increase 

production of turkey meat to a yearly 

figure of 20 thousand tons, an increase 

of 100 per cent. Brand projects a fast 

growth in the sector with new investment 

plans concerning infrastructure 

investments as well. 

‘Dry pluck,’ ‘halal food’ and 

‘slaughtering by hand’ to 

be adopted in turkey meat 

sector... 

‘Dry plucking’ technology which was 

first implemented by Erpilic in Turkey 

involves plucking poultry hygienically 

without touching by enlarging the roots 

of feathers of chicken in humid hot air 

ducts. As a more hygienic and healthy 

technology, dry plucking also provides 

a water saving of 100 tons daily compared 

to the old system of hot boilers. 

Dry plucking also eliminates the reasons 

that increase bacterial load of the poultry 

due to cross contamination, providing 

for a health risk-free production. Implementing 

dry plucking technology for 

turkey meat as well, the brand also has 

hand slaughtering and halal slaughtering 

features within its core. 

75

Turkish apricots, sultana 

raisins, hazelnuts, 

dried figs and pine nut 

kernels in a nutshell 

The following crop information has 

been provided from Banu Er of Doraintrade 

which is working as an agent, 

broker and consultant at international 

markets targeting to establish a strong 

link between producers and buyers on 

trust basis. Doraintrade has been tracing 

the market on behalf of producers 

and buyers in order to give feedback 

and market reports from the source 

regularly. 

Turkish Apricots 

By the end of May, weather conditions 

stay optimum in Malatya region. There 

is proper spring/early summer weather 

with occasional rainfall. It’s better for irrigation 

but at the same time rain spots 

in the new crop apricot risk appears. 

In order to decrease the risk from rain 

and humid, nowadays farmers practice 

different kinds and sometimes overdouse 

pesticides that may lead us pesticide 

problematic new crop. Early stage 

of fruits can be seen on the trees now, 

and by the end of May, frost damage 

risk is disappearing in East Turkey. 

You can see below global 2017 crop 

estimations comparing with the previous 

year based on INC meeting presentations 

on 19-21 May 2017 in India. 

New crop estimation has declared 

to INC as 145.000 mtons. However, 

according to market estimation in 

Banu Er, 

General Manager of Doraintrade 


Turkey, 2017 crop can be as big as 

180.000mtons. This leads the current 

2016 crop raw material market to 

decrease prices. Also new crop 2017 

prices are already in the market for 

advance contracts. Average prices 

for new crop for So2 Apricots(max 

2000ppm) in bulk cartons are as follows,Size 

1 : 3.810 –Usd / Tones 

Size 2 : 2.710 –Usd / Tones 

Size 3 : 2.600–Usd / Tones 






INDUSTRIAL : 1.650 -Usd / Tones 

Natural Apricots current 2016 crop 

are hard to find in the market now. 

As we expect more quantities with 

the bigger new crop, there will be 

more Natural Apricots available in 

the market by July 2017. New crop 

is estimated to come 1-2 weeks later 

this year by the beg. of July. As every 

year, we estimate low So2 shipments 

(max2000ppm) will be covered from 

2016 crop in the beginning of the season 

although declaration would be 

2017 crop. 

It does not seem to be a very big 

concern in Malatya but we believe 

EU commissions meetings and acts 

about So2 levels in Dried fruits are 

very crucial. Commission already 

mentioned their aim to drop the max 

levels to 800ppm for fruits including 

77

dried Apricots. The So2 process is 

very conventional process and processed 

in the orchard not in facilities. 

So measuring such small ppm will be 

almost impossible. (we experience 

4000-5000ppm practices) moreover 

800ppm So2 dried apricot will not 

appear to be yellow at all but light 

brownish colour. Turkey’s production 

85-90% is So2 and very big percentage 

of that amount is being exported 

to EU countries. 

Turkish Sultana Raisins 

Sultana Raisins market is mainly affected 

by the currency fluctuations since 

new-year. After January USD reached 

3,90 levels against TL, and for recent 

month it relieved to 3,55-3,60TL levels.Estimations 

show also a big crop in 

sultana raisins in 2017 as the frost risks 

already over, Turkey may face another 

around 270,000 tons crop that will be 

bigger than last year. 

From the below chart you can see the 

different growing countries including 

Turkey new crop estimations as well 

as carry-over stocks as declared In 

INC congress on May 2017. 

Although there will not be a global 

increase in supply in 2017 Crop, we 

estimate the carry over may be little 

bigger than INC estimations so the 

supply from Turkey would be as big as 

last year. Already with this estimations, 

Commodity Exchange price of sultanas 

raw material dropped to 3,50- 

3,60 TL per KG levels. With processing 

cost of average 300USD per ton, we 

can calculate export offer prices at 

USD1250-1350 pmtons Fob İzmir depends 

on the grades. Some exporters 

even started to offer for 2017 crop 

at price levels of 1300-1350USD/ton. 

After this stage only risk remains for 

heavy rainfalls in September that will 

influence the colour, mould levels of 

new crop. 

Pesticide and ochratoxin risks are 

continue to increase, EU commission 

discuss about increase the border 

controls for ochratoxin to 5% at bor- 


der as well as they continue analysis 

from the shelves. Last year, Chlorpryrifos 

residue was banned from EU and 

this year from August 2017 Bifenthrin 

limit will decrease from 0,2ppm to 

0,01ppm by EU. Europe’s fight with 

pesticides continues as the overseas 

markets look for less number of pesticide 

types, clean sultana raisins each 

year. Actually, Turkey’s competitor 

growing countries do better fighting 

with pesticide residues with better 

educations to growers and control 

the domestic pesticide availabilities. 

We hope the new pesticide regulations 

from overseas markets will not 

take Turkish crop supply into a bigger 

trouble. 

Turkish Hazelnuts 

We previously informed you about 

TMO (Government office) has started 

buying from warehouses by 24th 

April Monday, As we expected general 

prices went up sharply due to 

this as the government declared 

price for lowest quality is TL10 per/ 

kg inshell hazelnuts. There is not such 

huge quantity purchased by the government 

yet but even the news was 

enough for growers became very reluctant 

to deliver their raw material to 

the exporter factories. 

From Below chart, you can see Kernel 

basis world production and supply estimations 

in crop 2017 with comparisons, 

Turkey is estimated to have 34% 

increase in production in year 2017 by 

far leading the world production. Also 

global production of Hazelnuts will increase 

by 20% obviously because of 

Turkey’s big crop. 

Although good news goes on relating 

to new crop 2017, we cannot see a 

major price decrease by end of May. 

Estimated new crop volumes are really 

big so all buyers concern there could 

be big carry over because of Government’s 

buying activity. Overseas 

markets are also unwilling to contract 

from high prices. However, growers’ 

behaviour so far is very deterministic 

for export prices. For last 3 weeks we 

witnessed USD250-300 price rise per 

week then there has been a small relief 

by the last week of May. 

Up to date market prices for 11- 

13mm Naturel hazelnut kernel Giresun 

at USD6550/ton in 50 kg Jute 

bags. There are some very advance 

price offers also in the market for 

2017 crop that is around USD7300/ 

ton for same quality and size. Obviously 

this gap is coming from the risk 

factors that we still have 4 months until 

the next crop and gap will be smaller 

till new crop eventually when we 

come to the August new crop offer 

may be below current crop levels. 

Turkish Dried Figs 

New crop Dried Figs are right very 

early stage that caprifigs are now 

growing on the trees, so far the spring 

conditions was little drier than it 

should have been. But for estimating 

new crop neither in quantity or quality 

is very impossible at this stage. We 

are in touch with growers whom are 

79

positive about the new crop 2017. Of 

course coming caprification period 

needs to very efficient for better new 

borns. 

As you can see from the below statistical 

chart that Dried figs export 

shipments remained below the previous 

year’s levels. From this, we can 

understand although declared crop 

estimation was bigger, but the reality, 

2016 crop was smaller than previous 

year 2015. Natural, good quality and 

available to export products are really 

rare in the market. Also demand 

increased for Ramadan, bigger sizes 

N1,2,3. Current prices for N2 Dried 

figs are around USD.5800- pmtons 

and N6 for USD5000- pmtons FOB. 

For current and new crop, dried figs 

sector’s biggest problems are 

- H2O2 Hydrogen peroxide usage 

in the product for range of overseas 

markets that product loses its value, 

unhealthy products are being marketed, 

competition becomes impossible 

between Natural and Bleached products. 

- Ochratoxin concerns within EU, 

more rejected lots from the customs 

not only because of Aflatoxin but 

Ochratoxin as well. 

- Pesticide residue problems in some 

growing areas, and result of mixing 

raw materials by the handlers remain 

undetectable sources. 

- Because of Geothermal electric 

plants in the growing areas result high 

level of So2 contamination to the 

fruits and production areas switch to 

high altitudes from the valley areas. 

Turkish Pine Nut Kernels 

Totally Natural product of Turkish Pine 

Nut Kernels are produced with long 

steps, seed capsule cones are collect- 


ed by hand from the pine trees forests 

by January and stored in dry village 

warehouses. When the temperatures 

rise by spring, with more sunny days 

comes are laid under sun and drying 

seed capsules start to crack, inside 

kernels are later collected and further 

drying process performs. Finally, washing 

and packing the pine nut kernels 

are ready for market sales. 

There are some producers who oven 

dry the kernels for earlier crop distributions. 

The most important and 

risky stage of the production is washing 

that most microbiologic risks and 

salmonella contamination can appear 

from the washing water. There are 

various different washing plants that 

some are very poor conditions washing 

process while there are some big 

and equipped factories. According to 

demands and specifications price for 

the current crop is around USD.39,80 

Per Kg Fob İzmir levels. 

2017 INC meeting declared expectations 

of production and supply from 

different growing countries are in following 

chart. 

There is very big structural, taste and 

quality differences between different 

origins for pine nut products as the 

price levels are also quite various. 

Turkey is a leading source for quality 

and also one of the most expensive 

product origin. Although declared expectation 

for coming crop is bigger 

than previous year, in grower’s side it is 

thought that the quality for new crop 

is satisfying but the price levels are 

considered to be not moving down. 

It may be beneficial for buyers to advance 

contracts for this item especially 

for Organic enquiries as the Turkish 

supply is always limited. 

Below Chart shows figures of Turkish 

dried fruits varieties tonnage, average 

export prices with its comparison 

with last year figures. 

Export Figures Of Turkish Sultana Raisins / Dried Apricots/ Dried Figs in 

Comparison with same period last year 

81

8 unknowns 

about 

coffee 

You may indulge yourself with the coffee of David People 

Coffee and Food who grinds the coffee beans which 

are carefully chosen from Colombia, Brazil, Costa Rica, 

Ethiopia, Kenya and etc. 

Many people drink coffee everyday. 

Some people start the day with coffee, 

some drink coffee during the day. A lot 

of information is shared about coffee in 

the recent times when the third generation 

coffee and consumption has 

increased rapidly. 

David People Coffee and Food which 

has the motto of ‘Indulge Yourself’ 

grinds their coffee beans which are 

carefully chosen from Colombia, Brasil, 

Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Kenya and etc. In 

addition, David People Coffee&Food 

branches are bringing kinds of 3rd 

Generation Coffees for coffee lovers. 

Kerim Mamak, General Manager of David 

People Coffee&Food, transmitted 

unknowns about coffee; 

1. Coffee is not really beans. 

Did you know that coffee we all know 

as coffee beans is not technically a 

bean? Well, why is it called as a coffee 

bean? The reason ,it is similar to the 

appearance of the bean. To be truthful, 


the things we called coffee beans are 

actually the seeds of the coffee plant 

that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. 

2. Espresso isn’t a different 

kind of coffee bean. 

Many People think wrongfully that 

espresso is a different kind of coffee 

bean that is used to make espresso 

coffee. However espresso is just a 

way to make coffee and you can make 

espresso coffee using any coffee bean. 

3. Decaf coffee also has a little 

caffeine. 

Many people believe that they don’t 

consume caffeine when they drink decaf 

coffee. 

However, a large part of the caffeine 

has been removed to decaf coffee 

but not at all. To be decaf coffee , it is 

enough to have %3 of caffeine content. 

Therefore even a cup of decaf coffee 

contains a little caffeine. 

4. The best coffee texture 

form is full-fat milk. 

Low-fat or skimmed milk is thought to 

be used to brew coffee with a perfect 

texture. You should always use full-fat 

milk to make a cup of coffee that looks 

creamy and delicious. Many people 

drink coffee made from skimmed milk 

because it is easier to make foam by 

comparison with full-fat milk. 

If you are looking for a good quality 

coffee that looks intense and tasty, you 

should choose full-fat milk. 

5. The little caffeine that taken 

with coffee doesn’t cause of 

water loss. 

The reasons demonstrate that coffee 

causes the body’s dehydration, arise 

from caffeine in coffee that is diuretic. 

Diuretic properties are promoted 

urine production exceeding the quantity 

of liquid that received or dehydration. 

However, researches have proven that 

caffeine doesn’t cause water loss in the 

body when drink in little quantities. 

6. A cup of coffee a day 

helps to improve your 

concentration and reducing 

your risk of getting many 

diseases. 

While the high caffeine content in the 

coffee may affect your health negatively, 

there are other compounds in a cup 

of coffee that your health can provide 

many benefits. When you drink daily 

coffee, you can reduce risk of getting 

Parkinson’s disease, cirrhosis of the liver, 

diabetes and even colon cancer. 

Moreover, the antioxidants in the coffee 

fight against cell damage and reduce 

the risk of heart condition. Coffee 

helps to improve your concentration 

and remember your daily work. 

7. Pregnant women can drink 

a cup of coffee a day. 

Previously it was mentioned that caffeine 

in the coffee can affect the health 

of pregnant woman negatively and 

it causes miscarriage and low-birth 

weight. Last period researches suggest 

that drinking only a cup of coffee a day 

is a safe for pregnant and breastfeeding 

mother. But don’t forget that more 

than one cup can be unhealty for pregnant 

women! 

8. Coffee isn’t causing 

insomnia. 

It is believed that coffee can lead to insomnia. 

However it takes a very short 

time to remove caffeine from your 

body. 

It has been shown to the more than 

half coffee remove out the body after 

5 hours of coffee consumption according 

to the researches. For this reason, 

drinking 2-3 cups of coffee a day 

doesn’t cause any problems in your 

sleeping habits unless you drink it before 

going to sleep! 

83

Food Istanbul ready to 

host the industry 

FOOD Istanbul 

Expo will be 

held on 20-23 

September 2017 

at CNR Expo 

ISTANBUL – Targeting the vision of 

being the largest trade platform of the 

Turkish food industry, FOOD Istanbul 

Expo will be launched in September 

2017 at CNR Expo with proven track 

record of qualified service and advantageous 

venue location. 

CNR continues to expand its event 

portfolio with excitedly and proudly 

by adding “FOOD Istanbul Expo” 

which was previously organized under 

the well-known brand of “CNR GIDA 

Fair”. 

Turkish food and beverage industry 

maintains its remarkable position with 

productivity and dynamism, achieved 

a success story in the past decade by 

having a share of 300 billion US Dollars 

in total GDP and over 400,000 

labor force in 40,000 corporations. 

FOOD Istanbul Expo positioned as a 

global b2b meeting point where visitors 

would get the chance to explore 

the latest developments and have the 

general Outlook of industrial diversity. 

The fair will be a unique business platform 

that produces a supportive environment 

for the industry to increase 

their strength in global competition, to 

guide them to produce more value 

added, innovative, trusted and accredited 

consumer goods. 

FOOD Istanbul Expo aims to be organized 

on 60,000 sqm area with more 

than 1,000 brands targeting 35,000 

professional visitors and supported 

by Istanbul Exporters ‘Association. 

Professionals of Food and Beverage 

industries from Europe, Middle East, 

North Africa, Russia and Balkans will 

provide new business opportunities 

for Turkish industry. 


Turkish Food Industry: Facts & Figures 

• 18.9% of Turkey’s GDP is taken up 

by the food and beverage industry. 

• Turkish food retail sector reached 

USD 121 billion in 2016. 

• The share of food in the total retail 

sector is 60% and the food retail sector 

is expected to grow 8% annually in 

the 2015-2018 period. 

• In 2016, Turkey’s food & beverage 

exports totaled $11.1 billion, with 

food imports coming to $5.6 billion. 

• Food consumption sales growth: 

9.9% per year. 

• 536 foreign capital manufacturers 

operate in the food, beverage and tobacco 

industry in 2015, 265 of them 

are in Istanbul. 

• Turkey is an ideal hub for food imports, 

exports and transportation – it 

can easily trade with over 50 countries 

locally reaching 2 billion people 

in range. 

• Up to 2019, breakfast cereals are 

expected to register positive growth, 

as consumers will switch to easy and 

quick breakfast options. 

• Turkey’s market for meat and meat 

products recorded an average annual 

growth of 11% over the 2010-2015. 

85

Agriculture and food 

sector prosper in Turkey 

Home to the headwaters of the Tigris 

and Euphrates Rivers, Turkey’s agricultural 

sector is echoing the prosperity 

of ancient Mesopotamia. With its favorable 

geographical conditions and climate, 

large arable lands, and abundant 

water supplies, Turkey is considered to 

be one of the leading countries in the 

world in the field of agriculture and 

food. 

The restructuring efforts that began in 

the early 1980s resulted in a domestic 

market that is an integral part of the 

world economy. Turkey has a robust 

agriculture and food industry that employs 

over a quarter of the country’s 

working population and that accounts 

for 7.1 percent of the country’s GDP. 


The strengths of the industry include 

the size of the market in relation to the 

country’s young population, a dynamic 

private sector economy, substantial 

tourism income and a favorable climate. 

Turkey is the world’s 7th largest agricultural 

producer overall, and is the world 

leader in the production of dried figs, 

hazelnuts, sultanas/raisins, and dried 

apricots. The country is also one of the 

leading honey producers in the world. 

In addition, Turkey has an estimated 

total of 11,000 plant species, whereas 

the total number of species in Europe 

is 11,500. 

This bountiful production allows Turkey 

to maintain a significantly positive 

trade balance thanks to its position as 

one of the largest exporters of agricultural 

products in the Eastern Europe, 

Middle East, and North Africa (EME- 

NA) region. Globally, Turkey exported 

1,781 kinds of agricultural products to 

190 countries in 2015, accounting for 

an export volume of USD 16.8 billion.

This potential is not limited to only the 

dairy sector. Turkey is looking to position 

itself as the preferred option for 

being the regional headquarters and 

supply center of top global players in 

the agricultural sector. To encourage investment 

in the sector, Turkey offers a 

set of incentives for potential agribusiness 

investors. The Turkish government’s support mechanisms include 

favorable regulations, an extremely competitive tax structure, 

a qualified labor force, and numerous investment incentives. 

According to McKinsey and Co., Turkey offers significant investment 

opportunities in agribusiness subsectors such as fruit and vegetable 

processing, animal feed, livestock, poultry, dairy, functional food, fisheries, 

and enablers (in particular cold chain distribution, greenhouses, 

irrigation, and fertilizer). 

As part of its targets set for the agriculture sector by 2023 Turkey 

aims to be among the top five overall producers globally. Turkey’s vision 

for its centenary in 2023 includes other ambitious goals, such as: 

• USD 150 billion gross agricultural domestic product 

• USD 40 billion agricultural exports 

• 8.5 million hectare irrigable area (from 5.4 million) 

• Ranking number one in fisheries as compared with the EU. 

Dairy products including milk, yoghurt, 

cheese, kefir, and ayran (a drink made 

of yoghurt and water) form an integral 

part of the traditional Turkish diet. Traditionally, 

artisan, unpackaged products 

have dominated the Turkish dairy market, 

meaning there is vast potential for 

investors looking to break into Turkey 

and the greater region with a mass 

market approach. 

87

ISM in 

Cologne - the 

big world of 

sweets and 

snacks 

ProSweets Cologne - the international supplier fair for the sweets 

and snacks industry - will once again be staged parallel to ISM 

from 28 to 31 January 2018. 

The big world of sweets and snacks 

will be meeting up at ISM in Cologne 

in January 2018. The trade fair brings 

international suppliers of sweets and 

hearty snacks as well as hot drinks 

(coffee, tea and cocoa) together 

with buyers from all over the world 

once a year. With around 1,600 exhibitors 

from around 60 countries 

and over 38,000 trade visitors from 

143 countries, ISM is the largest trading 

platform for sweets and snacks in 

the world. Companies that have not 

exhibited at ISM so far, are given the 

opportunity to take advantage of various 

interesting participation models. 

Primarily newcomers and start-ups, 

but also suppliers of coffee and new 


snacks (i.e. fruit and vegetable snacks 

for instance) can take advantage of 

the favorable conditions in an attractive 

exhibition environment via these 

special models. 

ProSweets Cologne - the international 

supplier fair for the sweets and 

snacks industry - will once again be 

staged parallel to ISM from 28 to 31 

January 2018. 

Depending on the product segment 

and market maturity, industry newcomers 

at ISM can apply for one of 

the four participation models that ISM 

has developed exclusively for these 

target groups. 

Newcomer Area 

The “Newcomer Area” has already 

been successfully introduced at ISM. 

Companies that have already established 

themselves on the market, but 

who have not exhibited at ISM in the 

past years or who have never exhibited, 

are given the opportunity here 

to present themselves under one 

roof together with other suppliers. 

The platform offers an attractive environment 

and favorable participation 

conditions. 

New: Start-up Area 

The “Start-up Area” is the right setting 

for really young, aspiring compa-

nies that have not existed for more 

than five years. For a small fee, the 

trade fair newcomers can book a 

small, fine complete stand at ISM 

and give themselves the chance to 

present themselves, their concepts 

and products to the market. 

Cologne Coffee Forum 

Coffee, tea and cocoa are part of the 

ISM exhibition spectrum. In order to 

whet the new exhibitors’ appetite, a 

participation in the “Cologne Coffee 

Forum” offers ideal framework conditions. 

The favorably-priced workstations 

are placed together with 

other suppliers from the hot drinks 

segment and in the direct vicinity of 

an attractive program with coffee 

pairing, espresso seminars and best 

practice presentations in Hall 5.2. 

89

New Snacks Pavilion 

Fruit and vegetable snacks, breakfast 

snacks, meat snacks and jerkies 

are high in trend. And they are part 

of ISM. For companies, who would 

like to present these products at 

the largest trade fair for sweets 

and snacks in the world, the “New 

Snacks Pavilion” offers the perfect 

setting. 

The theme-oriented pavilions also 

offer the ISM visitors advantages. 

They bundle themes and companies 

in an attractive way and make 

it easier for the visitors to find and 

establish contact to interesting 

suppliers. 

ProSweets Cologne - the international 

supplier fair for the sweets 

and snacks industry - will once 

again be staged parallel to ISM. Together 

with ProSweets Cologne, 

ISM covers the entire value chain 

of sweets production and sales 

at the same time and place – a 

worldwide unique constellation. 

Both trade fairs are exclusively 

open to trade visitors. 


91

Most delicious 

state of water 

Water, which is neglected by many 

people but is an indispensable part of 

life, has an important place in human 

life for healthier and better quality of 

life. Drinking water not only affects our 

body, it also affects our psychology and 

mental activities. Sufficient water level 

must be consumed to ensure that 

vital functions can be performed in a 

healthy manner. 2 to 2.5 liters of water 

a day to meet the water needs of the 

body. Those who do not like the taste 

of water or have nausea will be able 

to sustain their drinking habits with Bio 

Life antioxidant water prepared with 

natural mineral water and sweetened 

with fruit and vegetable flavors . Bio 


Life, produced by Freşa for the first 

time in Turkey, is a brand new beverage 

that is antioxidant, sugarfree, gas 

free with natural mineral water and 

very delicious. Moreover it is less than 

one calorie… Antioxidant Bio Life, 

which has no artificial substance in it, is 

formed by the combination of natural 

mineral water and flavored with Fruit 

and vegetable flavors. Bio Life appeals 

to every age and every taste are offered 

in three different alternatives in 

green, orange and red. Bio Life Green 

with cucumber, mint and lemon can 

strengthen your immune system, Bo 

Life prepared with Lemon and Orange 

can help your body burn fat, You can 

support your heart health with Bio Life 

Red prepared with strawberries and 

kiwi. You also have to drink the most 

delicious water Bio Life in hot summer 

days to get rid of your thirst, and replace 

the minerals your body has lost.

Season’s firs fig 

export shipment 

starts on 11 th October 

The first export of Turkey’s dried fig 

harvest of season 2017/18 will begin 

on 11 October 2017. The ships carrying 

dry figs will depart from İzmir 

Port on the 11th of October 2017 to 

all parts of the world. 

Birol Celep, Chairman of the Association 

of Aegean Dry Fruits and 

Products Exporters Association, said 

to exporters of dried figs, “Do not 

panic. Let our 78 thousand 200 tons 

of harvest sell to earn added value 

to the national economy all together.” 

Dried figs, is a major produce of which 

are Turkey has the largest share in export 

markets worldwide. Fig exporters 

who are members of the Aegean, 

Southeastern Anatolia and Istanbul 

Exporters Unions has come together 

at the General Assembly Meeting of 

Dry Fig Advisory committee to determine 

the first export date in the 

2017/18 season. 

The exporting companies participating 

in the meeting unanimously 

accepted Wednesday, October 11, 

2017 as the first export date. The 

said date will be official and will go 

into effect after approval by the Turkish 

Exporters Assembly and the Ministry 

of Economy. 

“Without panic, we need to transform 

the value added value” 

Birol Celep, Chairman of the Board 

of Aegean Dry Fruit and Products 

Exporters Association, said that they 

aimed to reach 62-63 thousand tons 

until the end of the season, indicating 

that Turkey exported 60 thousand 

255 tons of dried fig crop which is 

72 thousand tons in 2016/17 season. 

Celep pointing out that the fig harvest 

for the 2017/18 season is predicted 

as 78 thousand 200 thousand 

tons, and said, “There is a delay of 

7-10 days due to weather conditions 

in the harvests this year. That’s why 

we decided on the date of 11 October 

2017 as the first export date. 

There’s a 8 percent increase in the 

harvest volumes. Even if there are 

some problems due to dampness in 

quality, we have to try to get more 

added value without panic. All stakeholders 

in the sector should act with 

common sense.” 

93

Turkey exports spices 

totalling 175 million 

dollar in 2016 

Aegean 

exporters add 

flavor to the 

world cuisine 

by exporting 

diverse range of 

spices & herbs 

Aegean exporters are at the top for 

the export of spices & herbs that are 

the source of taste and healthiness. 

Herbs and spices growing in Anatolia 

are not only healing sources to the 

150 countries but also add flavor to 

the world cuisine. 

Aegean Furniture Paper And Forestry 

Product Exporters Associations’ 

Chairman Nurettin Tarakçıoğlu pointed 

out, “While Turkey exported spices 

valued 175 million dollar in 2016, 79% 

of this export was initiated by Aegean 

Exporters’ Associations and we 

export mostly to the United States 

valued 28 million dollars. 137 million 

dollars of spices &herbs has been exported 

by Aegean Exporters Associations’ 

in 2016.” 

“In 2015, Turkey’s spice export was 

153 million dollars and it increased 

by 14% compared to the previous 

year. As healthy nutrition is a growing 

trend around the World, the interest 

in Turkish spices&herbs has been increasing 

year by year.” 

“In spice export, oregano, laurel 

leaves and cumin are at the top of 

the list. Turkey is the leader country 

in the production and exportation of 

oregano&thyme and laurel leaves in 

the World. 

The most exported spice is 

oregano&thyme in Turkey. In 2016, 

Turkey exported 60 million dollars of 

oregano&thyme that adds flavor to 

foods. Secondly, 40 million dollars of 

laurel leaves, that is one of the most 

delicious spices, are exported from 

Turkey. 


Cumin is essential for meat dishes and 

has taken place as a third in our spice 

export. Turkey exported 23 million 

dollars of cumin in 2016 with a huge 

rise of %106 compared to the previous 

year.” 

“As for sage apart of it is a spice; it 

is also used to treat the illnesses and 

prevent from flu, it is exported approx. 

8 million dollars in 2016.” 

“Our Spices & Herbs are mostly exported 

to USA 

In 2015, 22 million 163 thousand dollars 

of spice was exported to USA 

and export to USA has increased by 

26% in 2016. 

As Aegean Exporters’ Associations, 

we are organizing the Turkish National 

participation to the Summer Fancy 

Food Show, the largest specialty food 

show in North America, since 1998 

and we believe that it has great influence 

on this achievement.” 

Aegean Furniture Paper And Forestry 

Product Exporters Associations’ 

Chairman Nurettin Tarakçıoğlu said, 

“Laurel leaves, oregano & thyme, sage, 

rosemary, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, 

which are remedies for many diseases 

and grows naturally, are processed 

and packaged by the Turkish companies 

and exported to worldwide by 

adding value. Most of these products 

are gifts of nature to us. 

Tarakçıoğlu emphasizes that these 

products are the first exported products 

from Turkey and almost all of 

them are exported from the Aegean 

Region.” 

“As a result of these facts, Turkey is of 

the leader exporter country at these 

products. In addition, people who use 

these gifts of nature heal themselves,” 

he added. 

95

Crop & cereals production 

estimated to increase in 2017 

Increase was expected in the production 

of cereals and other crops, fruits 

in the first estimation of 2017 with 

rates of 4.4% and 9.7% when compared 

with the previous year, TURK- 

STAT announced in a latest release. 

Production quantities of cereals and 

other crops, vegetables, fruits in 2017 

were predicted approximately as follows; 

68.2 million tonnes for cereals 

and other crops, 30.3 million tonnes 

for vegetables, 20.8 million tonnes for 

fruits. 

It was estimated that in 2017, cereals 

production would increase with 

a rate of 4.4% when compared with 

the previous year and approximately 

become 36.8 million tonnes. 

It was foreseen that wheat production 

will increase by 5.8% to become 

21.8 million tonnes, barley production 

will increase by 11.9% and become 

7.5 million tonnes, rye production will 

increase by 6.7% and become 320 

thousand tonnes, oats production will 

increase by 11.1% and become 250 

thousand tonnes, when compared 

with the previous year. 

In the pulses group, it was expected 

that an increase will occur in broad 

beans to consume by 10.7% and 

production approximately become 

7 thousand tonnes, red lentil will increase 

by 7.2% and become 370 

thousand tonnes, potatoes will increase 

by 0.6%, one of tuber crops, 

and approximately become 4.8 million 

tonnes. 

In the group of oil seeds, it was expected 

that soybean production 


would decrease by 9.1% and become 

150 thousand tonnes. 

It was estimated that tobacco production 

will be 70 thousand tonnes with 

invariably, while sugar beets production 

will increase by 4.5% and approximately 

become 20.5 million tonnes. 

Vegetable production would 

be stable, whereas the fruit 

production estimated to elevate 

It was estimated that vegetables production 

would be no significant change 

in 2017 compared with the previous 

year, also stated in the TURKSTAT forecasts. 

Vegetables production in 2017 was estimated 

to be approximately 30.3 million 

tonnes with no significant change 

when compared with the previous year. 

When examining production of subgroups 

of vegetables, root and tuberous 

vegetables production was expected 

to decrease by 0.8%, and other 

vegetables not elsewhere classified was 

expected to increase with the rate of 

0.4%. 

The production of some important 

crops in vegetables; increments were 

expected in watermelon production 

by 3.3%, in pepper for processed, capia, 

by 12.1%, in carrots by 2.4% respectively, 

while decrements were expected as 

1.6% in tomatoes, 2.8% in dry onion, 

1.2% in melon. 

It was estimated that fruits production 

will be 20.8 million tonnes in 2017 increasing 

by 9.7% when compared with 

the previous year. 

When examining productions of some 

important fruits, it was estimated that 

there is increase in apple figures with 

the rate of 17.5%, in peaches by 6.3%, 

in cherries by 7%, in apricots production 

with the rate of 34.9% respectively, 

while decrements were expected in 

grape fruits by 13.5%, when compared 

with the previous year. 

In the citrus group, an increase was 

expected in mandarin production by 

14.2%. From nuts, pistachios production 

is expected to decrease by 50%. 

It was estimated that grape production 

will increase by 7.5%, and bananas production 

will increase by 3.9%. 

97

Marmarabirlik: 

Export champion for five 

successive years 

TIM, exporters 

assembly of Turkey, 

disclosed that 

Marmarabirlik 

topped the exporter 

of year 2016 in olive 

and olive oil sales. 

Economy Minister 

Zeybekci has 

presented the award 

to chairman Asa. 

The biggest producer of table top 

olive products in the world, Marmarabirlik, 

has been awarded as top of 

the exporters for the five successive 

years, by TIM, Turkey’s Exporters Assembly 

at the 24th general assembly 

meeting that was also honored by 

the President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. 

The award was presented by Mehmet 

Simsek, vice Prime Minister, and Nihat 

Zeybekci, Economy Minister. 

In his thank you speech, Hidamet Asa, 

chairman of Marmarabirlik expressed 

his honor of the award and said, “We 

got this award on behalf of our 8 cooperatives 

and 32 thousand producer 

partners. This is a great motivation for 

us to go further ahead. Marmarabirlik 

is a great firm exporting one fourth 

of Turkey’s black olive productions to 

53 countries. Our success is the result 


of our efforts in unity and teamwork. 

I also want to express our appreciations 

to all partners, workers, cooperatives 

and our board members of 

our firm.” 

He also added, “As of 2016 our exports 

have reached to 6.190 thousands 

of tons. Our aim is to make 

Marmarabirlik as a worldwide brand 

by hitting 30 million dollars level in the 

coming years. We targeted to new 

countries for more sales, especially 

in Middle East and Arabian Peninsula. 

And we are in close contact with buyers 

in Indian market.” 

By emphasizing the contributions of 

Turquality program for Turkish brands, 

Asa said that Marmarabirlik also deserved 

to be covered by this incentive 

project. He said, “We applied to the 

ministry for acceptance. The original 

regulation governing the program 

does not cover cooperatives and 

unions. When it was expanded to 

cover Marmarabirlik and similar entities, 

both producers and the country 

would be benefitted. Turquality support 

will add more value for Marmarabirlik 

brand and the value of produces 

of this land.”

www.beypilic.com.tr

Food Turkey Magazine September 2017

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?