The Future of $11 Billion in Chemical Exports to Be Discussed at "What Should We Produce Summit"

Turkey's chemical industry, one of the country's largest export sectors, will have its future discussed at the 4th Future in Cosmetics: What Should We Produce Summit, organised by KÜAD (Association of Cosmetic Producers and Researchers). The summit, to be held in Istanbul on 18 June 2026, will bring together leading representatives, experts and decision-makers from the sector.

Turkey's chemical sector reached approximately USD 11 billion in exports during the first four months of 2026, and with USD 3.1 billion in exports achieved in April alone, it captured 14% of total exports and maintained its position as Turkey's second-largest exporting sector.

The cosmetics sector, one of the most dynamic areas of the chemical industry, continues to grow through its production capacity, export performance and ability to adapt to changing consumer expectations. Rising global competition, shifts in export markets, sustainability targets and changes in consumer behaviour are reshaping the sector's future, while the question "What should we produce?" is becoming more critical than ever for manufacturers.

In this context, the 4th Future in Cosmetics: What Should We Produce Summit, organised by KÜAD, will take place on 18 June 2026 at Selectum City Hotel in Istanbul Ataşehir.

A Common Platform for the Sector's Future
The summit, which is expected to attract more than 500 sector professionals, aims to contribute to the development of high-value-added cosmetic products with human and environmental health at its core, increase the sector's international competitiveness and support knowledge sharing.

The event will comprehensively address topics including the current state of the cosmetics sector, future outlooks, consumer expectations, sustainability practices, digital transformation and next-generation sales channels.

One of the noteworthy segments of the programme will be the keynote speech by theatre artist Ali Poyrazoğlu. Poyrazoğlu will share with participants, drawing on his own experiences, the importance of change management, creativity and foresight in the business world.

Data, Trends and Consumer Insights on the Same Stage
The summit's opening remarks will be delivered by KÜAD Board Chair Fuat Arslan and Summit Chair Ü. Belgin Sile.

In the first session titled "From Data to Value: Trends in the Cosmetics Sector";

-Merve Gökmen and Pınar Köseoğlu from NielsenIQ,
-Hakan Göl from Deloitte Turkey,
-Melisa Özlüer from WGSN

will provide assessments on consumer trends shaping the future of the cosmetics sector, global market dynamics and new trends.

In the second session titled "Transformation in Cosmetics: From Production to Consumer Experience", topics such as sustainability, innovation, packaging technologies and consumer experience will be addressed by sector representatives.

Art and Creativity Perspectives on the Future of Cosmetics
The summit will also include a session titled "New Shelves for Cosmetics" in which Engin Çağın from Hepsiburada and Can Karadeniz from ebebek will evaluate changing consumer habits and next-generation sales channels.

Under the KÜAD Talks Stage, the impacts of technology, artificial intelligence, digital transformation and developments in the retail ecosystem on the cosmetics sector will be discussed with the participation of expert speakers from different sectors.

"Today It Is Not Only What We Produce That Matters, But Also How We Differentiate Ourselves"
KÜAD Summit Chair Ü. Belgin Sile, drawing attention to the transformation the sector is undergoing, said the following:

"The cosmetics sector is undergoing a multifaceted transformation today. Consumers are no longer looking only at a product's contents; they are also looking at the brand's values, its sustainability approach, its visibility in the digital world and the experience it offers. For this reason, the critical question for our sector is not only 'What should we produce?' but also 'How should we differentiate ourselves and how should we create value?' Through the What Should We Produce Summit, our aim is to contribute to the international competitiveness of the Turkish cosmetics sector by bringing together on one platform ideas that will guide the sector's future, different perspectives and collaboration opportunities."