Aegean grain and oilseeds sector breaks export growth record

WISE NEWS PRESS / IZMIR, TURKIYE

The Aegean Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds, and Products Exporters' Association achieved a 23% increase in exports, reaching $1.185 billion in 2025, making it the growth champion among the twelve associations within the Aegean Exporters' Association.

This regional surge contributed significantly to Turkiye's national food export leadership, where the sector overall saw a 4% increase, rising from $11.895 billion to $12.367 billion. Muhammet Ozturk, President of the Aegean Association, characterized the 2025 performance as a "busy and productive year," noting that the sector remains the primary locomotive for the nation's food trade.

Vegetable oil sector maintains dominant lead

President Ozturk detailed the sub-sectors that fueled this record-breaking performance, identifying vegetable oils as the clear leader with $602 million in export value. According to Ozturk, other significant contributors included:

• Animal feeds: $151.6 million

  
  

• Chocolate and confectionery: $124.5 million

  
  

• Oilseeds: $99.5 million

• Grain-based products: $68 million

Key markets: Algeria, Libya, and Saudi Arabia

Algeria remained the top destination for exports from the Aegean region, accounting for $185 million in trade. Libya followed in second place with $82 million. However, the most notable growth occurred in the Saudi Arabian market, where exports jumped 68%, rising from $42 million to $71 million. Following these top three were Djibouti at $65 million and the United States at $51 million.

Strategic targets for 2026 and Foodist Istanbul

Setting sights on the future, the Association has established an export target of $1.4 billion for 2026. President Ozturk emphasized Turkiye's global competitiveness in flour, pasta, biscuits, and pet food, announcing a more intensive marketing calendar to reach these new goals.

A major pillar of this strategy is the launch of a new international event. "We will introduce the Foodist Istanbul Fair between September 1–4, 2026, at Tuyap Istanbul," Ozturk announced. He added that the fair aims to become one of the top three food exhibitions globally, showcasing Turkiye’s industrial strength on the world stage.

Furthermore, the Association will continue its "Turkish Tastes" and "Confectionery" Turquality projects in North America, alongside two "UR-GE" projects focused on grains and pet food to enhance the export capacities of member firms throughout 2026.

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