Turkish Food Exports: Sector Analysis and Growing Markets

Turkey's Position in the Global Food Sector

Turkey is the largest agricultural producer in Europe and the 7th largest in the world. With four distinct seasons, fertile soils, and abundant water resources, the country offers unparalleled diversity in food production. As of 2025, Turkish food and agriculture exports have reached $28.5 billion, with a 2026 target set at $31 billion.

The Turkish food sector is a massive ecosystem that exports to 190+ countries, hosts over 60,000 food processing facilities, and provides direct employment to more than 5 million people.

Turkey is one of the most diverse food-producing countries in the world. From hazelnuts to olive oil, dried fruits to dairy products, pulses to confectionery, it offers a wide product range. This diversity provides the flexibility to meet the demands of different markets.

Turkish Food Exports by the Numbers (2025–2026)

Leading Export Products

1. Hazelnuts and Hazelnut Products

Turkey is the undisputed leader, supplying 65–70% of the world's hazelnut production. Hazelnut exports constitute one of the most valuable items in Turkey's food export portfolio.

Hazelnut export data:

• Annual production: 650,000–800,000 tons
• Export value: $2.8+ billion
• Key markets: Germany, Italy, France, Belgium
• Export forms: In-shell, kernel, roasted, paste

End-use sectors:

• Chocolate industry (65%)
• Bakery and confectionery sector (15%)
• Direct consumption (10%)
• Hazelnut oil and other (10%)

2. Dried Fruits

Turkey ranks among the world leaders in dried fruit exports.

Dried apricots:

• 80–85% of world production comes from Malatya
• Annual exports: $750+ million
• Sun-dried and sulfured/unsulfured varieties

Dried figs:

• 1st in the world in production
• Aydin Fig holds geographical indication status
• Annual exports: $350+ million

Sultana raisins:

• Production centered in the Aegean Region
• Annual exports: $500+ million
• Sultana, Besni, and Thompson varieties

3. Olive Oil

Turkey ranks 4th in the world in olive oil production.

• Annual production: 250,000–350,000 tons (varies by year)
• Exports: $600+ million
• Key production regions: Aegean, Southern Marmara, Mediterranean
• Quality grades: Extra virgin, virgin, refined blend (riviera)

4. Flour and Grain Products

Turkey is a major producer, ranking 1st in the world in flour exports.

• Annual flour exports: $2+ billion
• 700+ flour mill capacity
• Key markets: Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Angola, Somalia
• 3rd in the world in pasta exports

5. Confectionery and Chocolate

The Turkish confectionery sector is growing rapidly in international markets.

• Annual exports: $1.5+ billion
• Traditional products such as Turkish delight, halva, and baklava
• Modern chocolate and confectionery production
• Strong position in biscuit and wafer exports

6. Dairy Products

• Annual milk production: 23+ million tons
• Cheese diversity: 200+ different types
• Exports: $800+ million
• Growing Middle East and Africa markets

7. Seafood

• 1st in Europe in sea bass and sea bream aquaculture
• Annual exports: $1.8+ billion
• Key markets: Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Russia
• Modern pool and cage farming facilities

Target Markets and Regional Analysis

European Union

The EU is the largest market, accounting for 35–40% of Turkish food exports.

Advantages:

• Preferential access for certain products under the Customs Union
• Geographic proximity and logistics advantage
• Capacity to comply with high quality standards
• Strong trade relations and mutual trust

Key countries and products:

• Germany: Hazelnuts, dried fruits, olive oil, organic food
• Italy: Hazelnuts, pulses, nuts
• France: Dried fruits, hazelnuts, olive oil
• United Kingdom: Dried fruits, pulses, ready-to-eat food
• Netherlands: Seafood, pulses, fruit juice concentrate

Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

The MENA region accounts for 25–30% of Turkish food exports.

Advantages:

• Cultural proximity and palate compatibility
• Halal food production capacity
• Logistics advantage (road and sea)
• Free trade agreements

Key countries:

• Iraq: Flour, confectionery, biscuits, eggs
• Saudi Arabia: Pulses, dried fruits, dairy products
• UAE: Premium food products, olive oil
• Egypt: Pulses, oilseeds, flour
• Libya: Flour, pasta, confectionery

Africa

Africa is the fastest-growing market for Turkish food exports.

Growth dynamics:

• Population growth and urbanization
• Rising middle-class consumption
• Food security needs
• Turkey's diplomatic and trade initiatives

Target countries:

• Nigeria: Africa's most populous country
• Angola: Flour and grain products
• Somalia: Flour, sugar, vegetable oil
• South Africa: Premium food products
• Kenya: Biscuits, tea, pulses

Far East and Pacific

• Japan: Hazelnuts, dried figs, olive oil (premium segment)
• South Korea: Hazelnuts, dried fruits
• China: Pistachios, pulses, dairy products
• Australia: Dried fruits, olive oil

USA and Canada

• Hazelnuts and hazelnut products
• Dried fruits (apricots, figs)
• Olive oil (especially organic)
• Turkish cuisine ready meals

Competitive Advantages

1. Geographic Location

Turkey is located at the crossroads of three continents. This position provides:

• Easy access to European, Middle Eastern, and African markets
• Multiple logistics options (road, sea, air, rail)
• The capacity to cultivate products across different climatic zones

2. Product Diversity

The convergence of Mediterranean, continental, and transitional climates means:

• 1,500+ different agricultural products are cultivated
• Seasonal advantages enable year-round supply of different products
• A portfolio spanning traditional and modern food products

3. Modern Production Infrastructure

• 60,000+ food processing facilities
• Food safety infrastructure at EU standards
• HACCP, ISO 22000, BRC, IFS certified facilities
• Cold chain logistics capacity

4. Price Competitiveness

• Fertile agricultural land
• Competitive labor costs
• Economies of scale
• Government export incentives

5. Halal Food Capacity

Turkey holds a natural advantage in halal food production:

• The vast majority of the population is Muslim
• Established halal certification infrastructure
• Access to a market of 1.8 billion Muslim consumers
• OIC membership and trade agreements

Sector Challenges

Agricultural Production Challenges

• Impact of climate change on agricultural production
• Water scarcity and irrigation infrastructure deficiencies
• Rising agricultural input costs (fertilizers, energy, seeds)
• Fragmented land structure and productivity issues

Export Challenges

• Raw material price fluctuations
• Currency volatility
• Non-tariff barriers in target markets (SPS, TBT)
• Rising logistics costs
• Aggressive pricing policies of competing countries

Regulatory Challenges

• Tightening EU food safety regulations
• Pesticide residue limit (MRL) compliance
• Labeling and packaging requirements
• Certification costs

Growth Opportunities

1. Organic Food

The global organic food market has exceeded $200 billion and is growing at 10–12% annually. Turkey's organic agriculture potential has yet to be fully realized.

• Organic agricultural area: 100,000+ hectares
• Certified organic producers: 80,000+
• Organic export potential: $5+ billion

2. Functional Foods

The functional food market is expanding with the rise of the healthy living trend:

• Probiotic products
• Fortified foods
• Superfoods (chia, quinoa, etc.)
• Gluten-free products
• Protein-enriched foods

3. Ready and Semi-Ready Meals

Demand for ready meals is increasing due to urbanization and changing lifestyles:

• Frozen foods
• Canned and preserved products
• Ready-made soups and sauces
• Snack products
• Meal kits

4. E-Commerce and D2C (Direct-to-Consumer)

Food exports through digital channels present new opportunities:

• Global platforms such as Amazon and eBay
• Niche food marketplaces
• Proprietary e-commerce platforms
• Subscription models

5. Geographically Indicated Products

Turkey has 1,000+ geographically indicated products. These can be marketed at premium prices:

• Antep pistachio
• Malatya apricot
• Aydin fig
• Giresun hazelnut
• Ayvalik olive oil

Government Incentives and Support Programs

Export Incentives

• Trade fair participation support: 50–70% of overseas fair participation costs
• Market research support: Coverage of target market research expenses
• Promotion support: Overseas advertising and promotion expenses
• Branding support (TURQUALITY): Brand development and internationalization
• Inward Processing Regime: Tax exemption on raw material imports for export production

Agricultural Support

• Fuel and fertilizer subsidies
• Deficiency payment support
• Organic farming support
• Good agricultural practices support
• Livestock subsidies

Conclusion

The Turkish food sector is a significant player in global food trade, backed by rich natural resources, a diverse product portfolio, and modern production infrastructure. Achieving the $31 billion export target in 2026 depends on the sector's shift toward value-added products, exploration of new markets, and adoption of sustainability standards.

For international buyers, Turkey is a strategic sourcing hub offering high-quality, safe, and competitively priced food products. At Toko Trading, we provide supplier matching, quality control, and logistics support throughout your food sourcing process.