Turkish Food Exporters Invited to Pursue $80 Billion Target

Turkish food exporters have increased their exports to Japan, which imports USD 80 billion in food products annually, by 75% over the last 5 years, raising exports from USD 209 million to USD 367 million. Turkish exporters have set a medium-term goal of USD 1 billion in food product exports to Japan.

Hayrettin Uçak, Vice Chairman of Aegean Exporters Associations Coordinator and Chairman of Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association, announced that they have begun preparations to organize Turkey's National Participation in Foodex Japan 2026 – the 51st International Food and Beverage Fair, to be held in Tokyo between 10-13 March 2026, in order to reach the USD 1 billion export target to Japan.

Chairman Uçak noted that they have been organizing Turkey's National Participation in Foodex Japan Fair for more than a quarter century, and that 42 companies from Turkey participated in the Tokyo Foodex Fair in 2025. He emphasized that USD 126 million of Turkey's food exports to Japan are realized by Aegean exporters, which represents a 35% share of total exports.

Uçak stated that in addition to a 75% increase in Turkey's food product exports to Japan over the last 5 years, they have also achieved a successful increase in average export prices, and provided the following information:

"In 2019, our average export price was USD 2.17 per kilogram, and by the end of 2024 it increased to USD 2.58 with a 19% increase. The increase in average export prices supports our medium-term goal of USD 1 billion in food product exports to Japan."

Işık: "Demand for Healthy Foods is Rising"
Mehmet Ali Işık, Sustainability and Organic Products Coordinator of Aegean Exporters Associations and Chairman of Aegean Dried Fruit and Products Exporters Association, stated that demand for healthy foods in Japan is increasing, and noted significant increases in plant-based foods and frozen food consumption.

Işık, mentioning that the frozen food market in Japan has reached USD 6.6 billion in size, made the following assessment:

"Japanese retail consumers continue to seek affordable ready-made meals and ingredients due to increases in single-person households and working couples. This situation is increasing demand for processed and frozen vegetables. China and the United States are Japan's largest processed vegetable suppliers. We invite Turkish exporters to participate in Foodex Fair to capture a share of this developing market in Japan."

Işık also noted that Japan's food sector has reached pre-pandemic levels, and that the Japanese population places great importance on quality and hygiene. Stating that participating in the fair with products that comply with food health standards required by the Japanese market is a fundamental condition for success, Işık added that displaying packaged, branded, and quality products rather than bulk products at the fair will increase success.

Most Exported Turkish Foods to Japan
Among food products exported from Turkey to Japan in 2024, fish ranked first with USD 113 million. Japan showed demand for USD 72 million worth of Turkish pasta, while the olive oil sector reached USD 33 million in exports.

Other prominent products:

Seedless raisins: USD 24 million

Fruit juice: USD 18.5 million

Dried tomatoes: USD 16.5 million

Dried figs: USD 16 million

Sugar confectionery: USD 12 million

Turkish Cuisine at Otsuma Women's University
Aegean Exporters Associations, which launched the TURQUALITY Project called "Turkish Tastes" in 2019 to increase awareness and consumption of Turkish food products in the US market, had previously collaborated with Las Vegas University to integrate Turkish cuisine into the curriculum. This time, a similar step is being taken in Japan.

Within the scope of the Turkish Cuisine Promotion Project initiated with Otsuma Women's University in Japan, Turkish cuisine will be presented by Michelin-starred Chef Osman Serdaroğlu.

Serdaroğlu will prepare the following menu for Japanese chef trainees and faculty members:

Traditional Turkish chicken broth soup

Grilled fresh tuna kibbeh bulgur salad garnished with pomegranate molasses

Turkish-style milk pudding with dried figs

Turkish-style cornbread

Turkish tea and Turkish coffee

The courses at the university will introduce the rich history of Anatolia and the unique food products offered by Turkey's geography. Turkish culinary culture through products sourced from different regions will be presented to students with adaptations suitable to the Japanese palate.

Call to Turkish Companies
Turkish companies, growing stronger each year, represent the potential of our country's food sector successfully by participating in Foodex Japan Fair. In this regard, companies wishing to participate in the fair are expected to contact Aegean Exporters Associations (EİB).