THE GLOBAL WINDOW OF TURKISH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE The Global Window of Turkish Food and Agriculture Sector
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Press release…
Alper Sesli, President of Dream Sales Machine, evaluating the growth of Türkiye’s coffee sector, said, “We may import the beans, but we produce the brand, the experience, the festival and the culture here.”
Türkiye is not among the coffee-producing countries. However, thanks to the rapidly growing coffee culture in recent years, new generation initiatives, festivals, and brands, the sector has begun to generate significant economic value. According to Alper Sesli, President of Dream Sales Machine, which has been organizing the Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya Coffee Festivals for over 10 years, Türkiye’s coffee story should now be read not just as a story of agricultural production, but as a story of cultural and economic transformation. Sesli noted that there are countries in the world, such as Germany, England and Switzerland, that do not produce coffee but create billions of dollars in added value from the coffee economy and stated that Türkiye is also undergoing a similar transformation process.
Imported Beans, Local Value…
Pointing out that the country largely imports coffee beans, but the resulting economic value is spread across a much wider area, Alper Sesli said, “When we look at the coffee sector today, we are not just talking about beverage consumption. A broad ecosystem has formed, from cafes to roasting facilities, from equipment manufacturers to software startups. The beans may be imported, but the brands, businesses, designs and experiences are local.”
Coffee Festivals Creating a New Economy…
Sesli explained that coffee festivals held in many cities across the country in recent years have made a significant contribution to the sector, adding that these events support not only coffee brands but also many different sectors. Highlighting that the Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya Coffee Festivals, and various regional organizations, bring together thousands of visitors, Sesli said, “Festivals have transformed into platforms where coffee brands meet consumers directly, new ventures gain visibility and city economies are stimulated.”
The New Generation is Growing Consumer Culture…
Sesli added that in Türkiye, especially the younger generation, coffee has become central to their daily lives, indicating that coffee is no longer just a product to be consumed, but also a social experience. He concluded by saying, “The coffee sector is becoming one of the important components of the creative economy today. Many fields, from education to gastronomy, from design to event management, are developing around coffee. In the future, a large part of the added value will be created here.”
