THE GLOBAL WINDOW OF TURKISH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE The Global Window of Turkish Food and Agriculture Sector
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“Future of the food industry depends on robust production and global brands”
October, 2026…
Sesame, tahini, halva and jam are not merely traditional flavours gracing our tables; they are also core products of a powerful value chain that spans from agricultural production to industry and from employment to exports. The sectors we represent at the Sesami, Tahini, Halva and Jam Manufacturers’ Association (SUTHER) are among the key industries that showcase Türkiye’s deep-rooted production culture and rich culinary heritage to the world.
Türkiye possesses significant potential in international markets thanks to its expertise in halva and tahini production, a jam culture rooted in fruit diversity and an advanced food industry. Our extensive product range—spanning from fig, strawberry, sour cherry, rose and citrus jams to various types of tahini and halva—is a major advantage that sets our country apart from its competitors. By combining traditional recipes with modern production technologies, we can bring these products to consumers in even more countries.
The world has entered a new era shaped by climate change, geopolitical tensions, challenges in accessing raw materials and vulnerabilities in supply chains. These developments demonstrate once again that food is not merely a commercial commodity but an asset of strategic importance regarding economic independence, social welfare and national security. With its agricultural diversity, robust industrial infrastructure and entrepreneurial producers, the country can achieve a much stronger position in global food trade. However, transforming this potential into lasting success requires a holistic production policy that encompasses everything from agriculture to industry and from logistics to exports. The sustainability of our sector depends on consistent access to high-quality and sufficient raw materials. It is of great importance to boost domestic production—particularly for strategic raw materials like sesame—support farmers, promote the use of high-yield seed varieties and strengthen contract farming models.
Enabling manufacturers to access the raw materials they need under predictable conditions will ensure sound planning for investment, production and exports. Despite rising costs for energy, labour, financing, packaging and logistics, our producers continue to manufacture goods and compete in international markets. To make long-term investments, the sector requires predictable regulations, accessible financing and stable export policies. Effectively combating informal production is also essential for consumer protection and for maintaining the competitiveness of businesses that operate in compliance with regulations.
In the future of the food sector, simply producing more will not suffice. We must develop products that are safe, traceable and sustainable and that meet evolving consumer expectations. Simple and clear labeling, diverse portion options, product innovation and food literacy will be the defining themes of the coming period. Prioritizing accurate information over assessments lacking a scientific basis will strengthen trust among consumers, the public sector and the industry. Türkiye’s goal in global markets should not be limited to merely exporting products; we must build global brands that tell their own stories, inspire trust and establish lasting bonds with consumers. The path to achieving this lies on the public sector, the agricultural sector, the food industry, universities and professional organizations acting in unison towards shared goals.
At SUTHER, we continue our efforts to raise quality standards, boost domestic production, support consumer access to safe food and increase exports within the sesame, tahini, halva, and jam sectors. I believe that, through sound planning and strong collaboration, Türkiye can become one of the world’s leading centres for food production and branding—not just within its own region, but globally…
By Necati Göksu,
Chairman of the Board of SUTHER
