Turkey, the food warehouse, is strengthening its presence in the U.S. market with 'Turkish Tastes.'

In the U.S., the world's largest food importer, the “Turkish Tastes-TURQUALITY Project,” supported by the Ministry of Trade and involving six food export associations under the Aegean Exporters' Association, is successfully promoting greater preference for Turkish food products.

Jak Eskinazi, Coordinator President of the Aegean Exporters' Associations, and EİB Food Export Association Presidents, along with American chefs Tom Macrina and John Bryne invited to Turkey for Turkish Tastes promotional film shoots, held a press conference.

Eskinazi stated, “Our Turkish food sector continues its efforts with great determination to solidify its position in the U.S. market and increase exports. Our TURQUALITY Project, launched in 2019, has played a catalytic role in establishing a strong, well-connected Turkish Tastes community in the U.S. We have made significant strides in commercializing our products over the past six years, with major U.S. food distributors collaborating with our Turkish firms. We have built a large network with the U.S. HoReCa sector, including producers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, chain stores, restaurant associations, food investors, food startups, tourism-hotel management faculties, and culinary schools.”

Eskinazi also highlighted that Turkey’s food exports to the U.S. rose by over 100% from $708 million to $1.71 billion between 2019 and 2023, and the sector has set a target of $5 billion in exports to the U.S. He emphasized that the Turkish Tastes promotional film shoot and the collaboration with chefs reflect the ongoing commitment to enhance Turkish product visibility and value.

Hayrettin Uçak, Vice President of the Aegean Exporters' Associations, mentioned that two companies from the olive oil and dried fruit sectors have become suppliers for US Foods, the second-largest food distributor in the U.S., highlighting the tangible outcomes of the project’s support. He noted that the project not only focuses on collaborations with organizations but also engages professionals by inviting chefs and purchasing officials to Turkey for hands-on experience.

Mehmet Ali Işık, Coordinator of Sustainability and Organic Products and President of the Aegean Dried Fruit and Products Exporters' Association, emphasized that the primary goal of the project is to achieve commercial success. He noted that this year’s Summer Fancy Food Show in the U.S. has significantly advanced the project’s commercialization, with 39 participating companies benefiting from the project.

Muhammet Öztürk, President of the Aegean Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds, and Products Exporters' Association, highlighted the success of the project and announced plans to organize B2B tasting events and trade delegations with participating companies.

Bedri Girit, President of the Aegean Seafood and Animal Products Exporters' Association, emphasized that the Turkish Tastes project and related events have significantly boosted Turkey’s seafood and animal products exports to the U.S., reaching $123 million in 2023.

Ali Fuat Gürle, President of the Aegean Furniture, Paper, and Forest Products Exporters' Association, expressed pride in being part of the Turkish Tastes project and thanked all supporters. Kazım Gürel, a board member of the association, highlighted the project’s role as a model for other sectors and discussed the planned 12-year roadmap to further enhance the project’s impact.

Tom Macrina, Turkish Tastes U.S. National Ambassador Chef, praised the quality of Turkish food and the efforts of Turkish chefs, while John Bryne, also a U.S. National Ambassador Chef, emphasized the success of the Turkish Tastes project and the positive experiences from his visit to Turkey.

Overall, the Turkish Tastes-TURQUALITY Project is making significant strides in increasing the visibility and preference for Turkish food products in the U.S. market.