Turkish Food Industry Continues Push for $5 Billion Export Target in US Market

Turkish food exporters made a strong showing at Summer Fancy Food Show 2026 to increase their presence in the U.S. market, the world's largest food importer. Under the coordination of Aegean Exporters Associations, 62 Turkish companies presented their products to international buyers, with the sector's long-term goal set at reaching USD 5 billion in food exports to the U.S.

The Turkish food sector is accelerating its promotion and marketing activities aimed at increasing exports to the United States market. Under the Turkey National Participation Organization, coordinated by Aegean Exporters Associations and approved by the Ministry of Trade, Turkish food products drew strong interest from international visitors at Summer Fancy Food Show 2026, held in New York between 28-30 June 2026.

Turkey was represented at this year's 70th edition of the fair with a total of 62 companies: 49 firms participating through the national participation organization and 13 companies from the UR-GE Cluster of Istanbul Cereals, Legumes, Oilseeds and Products Exporters Association. The Turkey pavilion hosted visitors in a total area of 836 square meters at New York Javits Center.

U.S. remains one of target markets
Ufuk Atakan Demir, Chairman of Aegean Aquatic Products and Animal Products Exporters Association, highlighted that the U.S. is one of the world's largest food markets with annual food imports of approximately USD 240 billion, and said the Turkish food sector aims to increase its share in this market.

Demir noted that Turkey's food exports to the U.S. have gained significant momentum in recent years, and stated that promotion work carried out under the Turkish Tastes Project has directly contributed to export performance. Pointing out that total food exports from Turkey to the U.S. have shown a 121 percent increase over the past five years, rising from USD 781 million to USD 1 billion 727 million, Demir emphasized that the long-term goal is to reach an export level of USD 5 billion.

Turkish Tastes Project became focal point of the fair
One of the areas that drew the most attention at the fair was the live kitchen and tasting area created under the Turkish Tastes Project. During three days of events, Turkish coffee, olive oil, dried fruits, seafood, spices and many traditional Turkish food products were presented to professional buyers.

Through live cooking demonstrations and tasting events, participating companies established numerous new business connections, while promotion activities conducted through social media and influencer partnerships reached a wider audience.

Special promotion event held at Türkevi
At a special reception held at New York Türkevi as part of Summer Fancy Food Show, international purchasing managers, importers, distributors, chefs and sector representatives were hosted.

Speaking at the event, Bedri Girit, Vice Chairman of Aegean Aquatic Products and Animal Products Exporters Association, noted that the core objective of the Turkish Tastes Project is to make Turkish food products an indispensable component of world cuisines, and stated that Turkish products offer significant advantages in global markets through their quality, sustainability and reliable production infrastructure.

Wide range of products displayed
At the Turkey pavilion:

-Olives and olive oil
-Dried fruits
-Nuts
-Seafood
-Legumes
-Canned products
-Fruit juices
-Pasta
-Frozen food
-Spices
-Confectionery and bakery products

A wide range of product groups were presented to international purchasers, among others.

Through bilateral business meetings held at the fair, Turkish companies aimed to establish new export connections, and sector representatives noted that promotion activities to increase awareness of Turkish food products in the U.S. market will continue in the coming period.