PRODUCTION
Biscuit production in **Turkey** dates back to 1924. However, the sector has been experiencing rapid development and modernization for the last 15-20 years. Product diversification has been realized, and more attention has been paid to scientific and hygienic methods by employing modern technologies.
Today, there are many companies in **Turkey** producing various **biscuits** at the same quality level as their European competitors. All of the **production** units in the sector are private **companies**, and most of them are located in the **Marmara** and **Central Anatolia** provinces. Total **production** of **biscuits** in **Turkey** was **570 thousand tons in 2010**.
(Source: Turkish Statistical Institute) The **products** are marketed either in bulk or in consumer packs. Products in consumer packs (custard cream, petite beurre, crackers, wafers, biscuits with sesame, etc.) are the principal export products of the sector. The packaging shape, size, material, and design of exported products are prepared according to the buyers' request.
Export Performance
Turkish biscuit exports have shown significant year-on-year increases. Export volume, which was **2,706 tons in 1980**, increased to **74,838 tons in 2000**. The total figure in 2011 was recorded as **164.3 thousand tons** and **322.6 million USD**. Turkish biscuit exports have been mainly targeted toward the Middle Eastern, African, and European countries.
KEY TRADE FAIRS
- İstanbul IDMA - International Flour, Semolina, Rice, Corn, Bulghur, Feed Milling Machinery & Pulse, Pasta, Biscuit Technologies Exhibition (http://www.idma.com.tr)
- WorldFood İstanbul - International Food Products and Processing Technologies (http://www.ite-gida.com/)