Turkey has maintained its position as the global leader in flour exports for the past 10 years, with exports experiencing a growth of over 60 percent during this period. TFIF President Haluk Tezcan stated that flour exports reached approximately $1.5 billion last year, highlighting the sector’s new target of $2 billion by 2028.
For a decade now, Turkey, known as the world’s food powerhouse, has maintained its position as the global leader in flour exports. Breads, pastas, pizzas, cakes, and cookies—staples consumed three times a day on tables worldwide—are crafted from flour exported by Turkish flour industrialists.
In 2023, Turkey achieved flour exports totaling 1 billion 465 million dollars to 160 countries and 6 free zones. Turkey’s flour export volume has increased by over 60 percent in the last 10 years.
Haluk Tezcan
Haluk Tezcan, President of the Turkish Flour Industrialists Federation (TFIF) and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Aegean Grains, Pulses, Oil Seeds and Products Exporters’ Association, highlighted that flour production and consumption commenced in Mesopotamia and Anatolia approximately 10 thousand years ago. Tezcan emphasized that the milling sector stands as one of the oldest and most ancient sectors in Anatolian lands, and they continue to uphold this legacy in modern facilities. He further noted that their leadership in the world market has persisted for 10 years, with annual flour exports reaching approximately 1.5 billion dollars.
Tezcan provided information stating that they possess a production capacity of 30 million tons across 598 factories in 69 cities throughout Turkey. He stated, “Despite protectionist barriers erected by numerous countries, we continue to maintain our leadership in global trade. In 2023, we have the capability to elevate our export volume from over 3.6 million tons to 20 million tons. Many countries impose various hindrances, including taxes, against the Turkish flour industry. Particularly, we encounter obstacles due to our market presence in developed countries such as the USA and France. Our aim for 2024 is to export 4 million tons of flour.”
Highlighting the usage of Turkish flour in various dishes worldwide, from pastries to pizzas, pastas to breads, cakes, and cookies, Tezcan continued: “We reach out to 8 billion people in one way or another, and we will persist in doing so. This leadership truly befits us. In comparison between 2022 and 2023, our exports witnessed a 20 percent increase in terms of quantity. As Turkish flour industrialists, we are committed to solidifying our presence in global markets. By the end of 2028, we will exert our utmost efforts to bring 2 billion dollars of foreign currency to our country.”
In response to discussions regarding Turkey’s wheat imports, Tezcan stated: “Turkey, with an annual wheat production of 22 million tons, is a self-sufficient nation in terms of wheat. Consequently, we face no issues with our domestic wheat production. However, to export flour and bakery products globally, we import wheat from countries like Ukraine and Russia, among others, process it, and conduct significant flour exports worldwide. The dominance of the milling sector, particularly in Turkey’s Mesopotamian plain, and its remarkable expertise and significance in the industry add a unique perspective and value.”
Artificial intelligence will increase our wheat production
Haluk Tezcan, President of the Turkish Flour Industrialists’ Association, expressed: “As a sector, we aspire to export flour using our own wheat. We aim to maintain our global market leadership with the wheat we cultivate. Agricultural policies are undergoing rapid changes, particularly with the integration of artificial intelligence, transforming our fields significantly. The population in rural areas is breaking away from old habits, paving the way for new practices. If we leverage technology alongside these changes, our aspirations will materialize, positioning us as a nation that pioneers significant agricultural advancements by the 2030s. We possess extensive experience and knowledge on how to position ourselves on global dinner tables with food. Excelling in procurement, production, and sales has boosted our confidence significantly. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we stand out as the sole nation to sustain uninterrupted flour exports. With the assistance of artificial intelligence, we can enhance the productivity of our lands and solidify our position as champions in flour exports, utilizing our domestically produced wheat.”
Food corridor offers good opportunities for Turkey
Tezcan remarked that the Ukraine-Russia grain corridor, brought to life through the efforts of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, presents promising opportunities for Turkey. He further added that as a result, they have witnessed growth in numerous export markets.
Iraq, Syria, and Somalia are top three countries in flour exports
Iraq ranked as the leading destination for Turkey’s flour exports, bringing in approximately 1.3 million tons and generating a revenue of 550 million dollars. Following closely, Syria requested Turkish flour amounting to 98 million dollars, while Somalia sought up to 96 million dollars’ worth. Djibouti followed with 89 million dollars and Venezuela with 88 million dollars. Rounding up the top 10 were Sudan, Yemen, Sri Lanka, Ghana, and Palestine.