Turkey Aims to Be a Guiding Force in Global Food Trade
· Tarım Pusulası
At the opening of the Foodist Istanbul Fair, sector representatives and ministers emphasized Turkey's goal of becoming a global hub, not just a supplier, in food trade.
Istanbul's Vision in Global Food Trade
Foodist Istanbul Fair, bringing together international players of the Turkish food sector, opened its doors with an official ceremony held in Istanbul on September 1, 2026. Minister of Trade Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı, and İbrahim Gültepe, Chairman of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), participated in the opening program. Speaking at the ceremony, TİM Board Member Celal Kadooğlu drew attention to Turkey's position in the sector and stated:
"With our strong production infrastructure in the field of food, our product diversity, high quality standards, entrepreneurial private sector, and export network reaching all corners of the world, we are one of the important countries in global food trade."
Kadooğlu stated in his speech that Istanbul will become the center of global trade.
Technology in Production and Supply Security
Sharing the strategic goals for the next decade of the food industry, Celal Kadooğlu pointed to an era of rapidly increasing geopolitical tensions and international competition. Emphasizing that sector representatives should focus on integrated facilities and smart investments, Kadooğlu noted that modernizing the production infrastructure with advanced technologies is essential. Reminding that the agricultural raw material supply chain must be maintained uninterrupted and food supply security must be guaranteed in the face of risks brought by the climate crisis, TİM Board Member Celal Kadooğlu made the following statements:
"These efforts, which will make the heart of world food trade beat in Turkey, will carry Turkish products to the world with stronger brands."
Strategic Logistics and Export Targets
Drawing attention to Turkey's critical position in transit transportation and supply chains, Celal Kadooğlu stated that strengthening the logistics infrastructure will increase competitiveness in foreign trade. Kadooğlu stated that strategic projects such as the Hassa-Dörtyol Tunnel and the Development Road extending from the Gulf line to the interior of Europe will expand safe shipment capacity, and that port access and road connections provide great advantages to exporters. Emphasizing the need to integrate production power with logistics capabilities, TİM Board Member Celal Kadooğlu conveyed his goals with the following words:
"We are determined to make Turkey not just a supplier, but a guiding force in global food trade."