New Chairman at Ege Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters' Association: Cengiz Balık

Cengiz Balık has been elected to the chairmanship of the Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association (EYMSİB), one of the leading organisations in plant product exports in the Aegean Region. Balık took over the position from Hayrettin Uçak, who served as chairman for two consecutive terms. Uçak will continue to contribute to the sector by serving on the board of directors in the new term.

The general assembly process at the Aegean Exporters Associations was completed with EYMSİB's regular general assembly, with notably high attendance at the meeting.

Uçak: "We increased exports to USD 1.3 billion"
Assessing his eight-year tenure, Hayrettin Uçak noted that exports, which stood at approximately USD 700 million in 2018, have increased to USD 1.3 billion. Uçak stated that they opened new markets and strengthened their positions in existing markets, emphasizing that UR-GE projects, trade delegations and fair organisations played an important role in this achievement.

He also added that with the "We Know the Pesticides We Use" project, a residue map of the region was created and training activities for producers were increased.

Balık: "We will grow stronger by moving together"
Speaking at the general assembly, newly elected Chairman Cengiz Balık drew attention to his over 35 years of sector experience, noting that he has been involved at every stage of the chain extending from production to export.

Balık said, "Although rising costs, competitive conditions and changing demands put pressure on our sector, we have managed to grow by moving together. In the coming period, we will work towards a structure that focuses on quality and sustainability, opens new markets and has strong competitive capacity."

Sharing his targets for the 2026–2030 period, Balık emphasised that they will continue the sector's development by moving together with all stakeholders.

New board appointed
Following the approval of the 2026 budget and work programme at the general assembly, Cengiz Balık was elected as chairman as the sole candidate in the elections. The board of directors includes Hayrettin Uçak, Sadık Demircan, Makbule Çiftçi, Emin Sercan Göçeren, Muhammed Elçiboğa, Veysel Ali Bahadır, Martin Erdemir Sanford, Kenan Unat, Deniz Celep and Tolga Selim Kağan.

The supervisory board consists of Veysel Güldoğan, Muhammet Mustafa Deniz and Recep Çöpten. In the new term, a total of 8 members changed in the board of directors and supervisory board.

Plaque of gratitude for Uçak
Within the scope of the meeting, a plaque of gratitude was presented to Hayrettin Uçak, who served as chairman for two terms, by newly elected Chairman Cengiz Balık for his contributions to the sector.

Who is Cengiz Balık?
Born in 1962 in Alaşehir, Manisa, Cengiz Balık is a graduate of Ege University's Department of Mathematics. Balık entered business life in 1989 with a company he founded and turned towards exports in 1992, beginning operations in international markets.

Active in all processes from production to logistics in the sector, Balık served as board member and vice-chairman in various periods within EYMSİB. Balık took office as Chairman of the EYMSİB Board of Directors as of 30 April 2026.