Aegean Region's Export Growth Leader: Grains, Pulses and Oilseeds Sector
The sector with the highest export growth in the Aegean Region was cereals, pulses, oilseeds and their products. The Aegean Exporters' Association of Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds and Products (EHBYTİB) increased its exports by 15% in the period of 1 January–15 October 2025, raising them from $787 million to $910 million. With this performance, it became the "export growth record-holder" among the 12 associations under the Aegean Exporters' Associations.
The cereals, legumes, oilseeds and processed products sector achieved the highest export growth in the Aegean Region. The Aegean Cereals, Legumes, Oilseeds and Processed Products Exporters Association (EHBYTİB) increased its exports by 15% during the period 1 January–15 October 2025, bringing the total from USD 787 million to USD 910 million. With this performance, it became the "export growth champion" among 12 associations within the Aegean Exporters Associations.
Vegetable Oil Sector Leads, Strong Growth in Chocolate and Confectionery Products
EHBYTİB Chairman Muhammet Öztürk noted that they reached the leading position in vegetable oil exports with 15% growth, achieving USD 452 million in exports, and pointed out notable increases in soya oil, sunflower seeds, cocoa products, animal feed, wafers and chocolate items.
"Our chocolate and confectionery products exports reached USD 80 million with an 18% increase. Our oilseeds exports increased 18% to USD 59 million. Our confectionery products exports rose 96% to USD 17 million," said Öztürk, emphasizing they are progressing steadily toward their 2025 year-end export target of USD 1.1 billion.
Algeria Leads, Fastest Growth in Saudi Arabia and Ukraine
Algeria ranked first among exports from the Aegean Region with USD 150 million in exports.
"Our exports to Algeria showed 23% growth. Libya ranked second with USD 62 million, and Djibouti ranked third with USD 55 million, up 10%," said Öztürk, noting that particularly significant growth was recorded to Saudi Arabia at 75% and to Ukraine at 110%.
Additionally:
Exports to Tunisia increased 46% to USD 38 million.
Exports to the USA increased 55% to USD 33.6 million.
Products sent to Iraq increased 27% to USD 31.4 million.
Growth Continues with International Promotion and UR-GE Projects
Emphasizing that they delivered successful performance despite high inflation and low exchange rates, Öztürk attributed the steady export growth to promotion activities and UR-GE projects:
"Throughout 2025, we focused on international marketing activities. Under the Turkish Food Exporters (TGİ) brand, we promoted Turkish food products at major international trade fairs including Gulfood Dubai, Foodex Japan, Summer Fancy Food Show and FHA Singapore. We established important connections through tasting events and B2B meetings. With UR-GE projects we are implementing in the cereals and vegetable oil sectors, we are increasing our companies' export capability, and through our pet feed UR-GE project, we are strengthening the diversification of exports."
The fact that 60% of exports in this field nationwide is conducted through EHBYTİB channels creates an encouraging outlook for the sector's future.
2026 Target: USD 1.2 Billion
"Our 2026 target is to increase product diversification, raise the visibility of Turkish food products in new markets, ensure sustainable growth through digitalization and green transition-focused projects, and reach USD 1.2 billion in exports," concluded Öztürk.
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