THE GLOBAL WINDOW OF TURKISH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE The Global Window of Turkish Food and Agriculture Sector
Related Articles
June, 2025…
With developing geopolitical developments, the food industry has begun to be regarded as a strategic sector around the world. In particular, food-producing and exporting countries are expected to come to the fore even more in the coming years. At Sesami, Halva and Jam Manufacturers Association (SUTHER), our sector primarily consists of companies that produce traditional flavours. With a history spanning hundreds of years, halva and jam are not only an integral part of our tables but also of our cultural heritage. Türkiye holds a significant position globally in both production and export of these products.
Türkiye has a strong infrastructure in sesame, tahini, halva and jam production, with its variety of raw materials, deep-rooted production traditions and high-quality products. As of 2024, halva production in the country is approximately 120,000 tonnes per year and jam production is around 90,000 tonnes.
We offer a wide range of products both domestically and for export, including various types such as tahini halva and summer halva. On the jam side, our traditional products like fig, cherry, rose and citrus jams are gaining a significant advantage in the global market due to the increasing demand for natural and additive-free products in recent years.
Our Position in the Global Market:
While the annual size of the global halva market is approximately 1.2 billion dollars, the total volume of the jam market has reached nearly 7 billion dollars. Türkiye is one of the top three producers of halva in the world; in the jam sector, it is among the leading exporters, particularly in the Middle East, Europe and the Turkic Republics markets.
According to 2024 data, Türkiye’s halva and jam exports amounted to approximately 250 million dollars. A significant portion of this export is directed to the European Union, Gulf countries, the United States and countries with a large Turkish diaspora.
Current Developments and Future Prospects:
The increasing global demand for healthy, natural and unprocessed foods presents a significant opportunity for our sector. Additive-free, low-sugar, organic, and gluten-free product varieties are gaining more attention every day. Additionally, we are bringing our products to the next generation of consumers through R&D efforts that combine traditional recipes with modern technology.
As SUTHER, we continue our efforts to raise quality standards, develop branding and enhance exports in our industry. Türkiye possesses the potential, strength and expertise to further elevate its position in this field.
In Conclusion…
Halva and jam are not just food products; they are shared values of our culture, history and tables. We will continue to bring these flavours to tables around the world through sustainable production, the use of high-quality raw materials, and innovative approaches.
By Necati Göksu,
Chairman of SUTHER Board of Directors
Source: www.tgdf.org.tr
