THE GLOBAL WINDOW OF TURKISH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE The Global Window of Turkish Food and Agriculture Sector
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The food industry is undergoing a significant transformation to meet the changing expectations of consumers. Focus is now shifting towards the development of health-focused and nutritious food products. These functional foods not only provide essential nutrition, but also offer solutions to improve overall bodily functions, prevent diseases, and enhance quality of life.
The importance of health-associated food products extends beyond individual dietary habits. In fact, they also contribute to reducing the long-term burden on healthcare systems, which are increasingly overwhelmed by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Statistics indicate that there are around 250 thousand new cancer cases reported annually, and 15 percent of the population suffers from diabetes in the country. Furthermore, the country ranks highest in Europe in terms of obesity and mental health problems. These alarming figures highlight the urgent need to increase awareness and take action. It is known that 40-60 percent of chronic diseases are influenced by nutrition and food preferences.
Today’s consumers are demanding products that not only taste good and satisfy their hunger, but also provide health benefits. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated this trend, as people have become more cautious about their immune system’s needs. Consequently, there has been a rapid expansion of the health-oriented food market, and the food industry is adopting a more strategic approach to cater to these demands.
In conclusion, the food industry is now more focused on developing health-promoting and functional food products that can improve overall health and wellbeing. These foods aim to address the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and alleviate the burden on healthcare systems. Consumers are prioritizing products that are not only delicious, but also provide various health benefits, with recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic further reinforcing this shift in demand. As the industry continues to evolve, it is expected that more innovative health-focused food options will become available to consumers.
By Professor Dr. Mehmet Pala,
Source: www.tgdf.org.tr
