The Turkish Exporters Assembly’s (TİM) Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds, and Products Sector Board, the Turkish Pasta Manufacturers Association, and the Pasta Producers and Industrialists Association issued a joint written statement celebrating World Pasta Day on October 25. This special day, celebrated since 1997 by the International Pasta Organization (IPO) through the efforts of the Turkish pasta industry, saw the three organizations share Turkey's sectoral goals as one of the world's largest pasta producers.

According to 2022 data from the IPO, Ahmet Tiryakioğlu, Chairman of TİM’s Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds, and Products Sector Board, evaluated Turkey's position in global trade:

“In 2022, Italy claimed 40% of the 5-million-ton global pasta trade, with Turkey ranking second with approximately 1.25 million tons of pasta exports. In 2014, our global share in terms of tonnage was 17.9%, and in 2022, this figure increased to 24.9%. Turkey, with its deep-rooted culinary traditions in grain-based products, has globally renowned pasta brands. Our pasta industry, with investments spread across the country, provides direct and indirect employment to around 50,000 people, generating an annual economic value of $2 billion through domestic and international trade. In the first nine months of this year, we exported $720 million worth of pasta, and despite a drop in average unit prices, we increased the value of our exports by 6.4%. Our pasta export journey, which began with 13 tons in 1970, is expected to reach 1.5 million tons by the end of this year, meaning our share in the global market will approach 30%."

"We produce 2 million tons of pasta annually, consuming 750,000 tons"

Aykut Göymen, President of the Turkish Pasta Manufacturers Association, noted that the total production capacity of the 25 pasta factories operating in Turkey is 3 million tons. He stated:

“In our country, an average of 2 million tons of pasta is produced annually, with about 750,000 tons, or one-third of the total, consumed domestically. While the annual per capita pasta consumption in Turkey is around 8.5 kilograms, in Italy, it is at the level of 23 kilograms. Pasta's nutritional value, satiety, versatility as a standalone dish, ease of preparation, variety, affordability, long shelf life, sustainability, and plant-based composition are factors that drive increasing pasta consumption worldwide. Turkish companies, recognizing the commercial potential in this field, have significantly increased their capacities by renewing both their investments and technologies. Our pasta factories are mainly concentrated in Central Anatolia, Southeastern Anatolia, and Western Anatolia, the regions where durum wheat is cultivated. Gaziantep, an important production hub for the world, hosts 53% of Turkey's total capacity."

Emphasizing Turkey's status as a global pasta brand with its high production capacity and superior quality, Göymen added:
“Currently, 1 million tons of our pasta production capacity remains idle due to the level of domestic and international demand. To fully utilize our potential, we aim to strengthen Turkey’s brand identity in this sector by expanding into new markets. Turkey, which gifted the world World Pasta Day through the IPO in 1997, continues to prepare for hosting the third World Pasta Day celebration in Istanbul in 2025.”

"We must prioritize both quantity and branding in exports"

Nihat Uysallı, President of the Pasta Producers and Industrialists Association, highlighted that the Turkish pasta sector has achieved significant success in exports, thanks to the efforts of industry leaders and all stakeholders. He said:
“Our country is the homeland of durum wheat, which gives us a significant advantage. In addition to having access to this raw material, our advanced industrial facilities mean we have the potential to increase our share in the global pasta trade even further. To harness this potential, we must strengthen the image of 'Turkish Pasta' and focus on increasing our value-added exports. By giving equal importance to quantity and branding in exports, we can capture a greater share of the global pasta market and contribute more to the development of our sector and our national economy.”

Uysallı also mentioned that Turkey exports pasta to Japan, which is recognized as one of the world's leading countries in terms of food security:
“Regardless of the price or quality range, we prefer that the demand for pasta worldwide be met by our domestic manufacturers. Therefore, we must produce according to global demand and quality standards. Alongside being able to grow the best durum wheat in one of the world’s most special regions and having achieved success in exporting to Japan, we are confident that we can elevate Turkish Pasta to its deserved position.”