Turkish Food Exporters Target $1 Billion in US Market

September 23, 2026 · Tarım Pusulası

Aegean cereal and pulse exporters, participating in a food fair in Miami, have engaged with retail giants aiming to surpass the $1 billion export threshold in the US market.

Ten exporting companies, within the scope of the Aegean Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds and Products UR-GE Project organized by the Aegean Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds and Products Exporters' Association, participated in the America’s Food & Beverage Show held in Florida, USA. Turkish producers met with international buyers at the fair, which took place in Miami from September 14-16, 2026. Muhammet Öztürk, Coordinator Chairman of the Aegean Exporters' Associations and Chairman of the Board, stated that the US market holds high potential for the Turkish food sector and that they aim to push total sector exports above the $1 billion level.

According to official data shared by Muhammet Öztürk, Turkey's exports of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and their products to the US increased by 36% in 2025, reaching $885 million. Exports within the Aegean Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds and Products Exporters' Association recorded a remarkable increase of 69% in the same period, reaching $50 million. The sector's performance across Turkey continued its upward trend in January-August 2026, reaching $596 million with a 4% increase.

During the fair, an extensive promotion and tasting event was held as part of the Turkish Tastes project, actively carried out by the Aegean Exporters' Associations in the US market. While the application areas of Turkish food products in global cuisines were detailed to industry professionals, participants were given the opportunity to directly experience local flavors. Turkey's Ambassador to Washington, Sedat Önal, Miami Consul General Yeşim Kebapçıoğlu, and Miami Trade Attaché Erdinç Erbay attended and supported the event. Deputy Chairman of the Association, Haluk Tezcan, also visited the participating companies' stands.

In addition to fair negotiations, the UR-GE Project delegation conducted comprehensive field studies to observe the dynamics of the US food retail market firsthand. The delegation visited leading chain stores such as Publix, Walmart, Costco Wholesale, President Supermarket, and Whole Foods Market to analyze consumer habits, shelf placements, and competitive conditions. Muhammet Öztürk stated that the UR-GE and Turkish Tastes activities complement each other, and the field analyses directly contribute to permanently strengthening the market share of Turkish products on US shelves.

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