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Turkey is a chocoholic’s paradise, with some of the finest chocolate producers crafting sweet confections in the country. For chocolate lovers and anyone looking to import chocolate from Turkey, let’s explore the top chocolate factories that are masters of their craft.
To learn more about Turkey’s premier chocolate makers and their mouthwatering creations, keep reading!
An Overview of Turkey’s Chocolate Industry
Turkey has a long history of chocolate production dating back to the 19th century Ottoman Empire. The Turkish chocolate industry has blossomed over the past century.
Today, Turkey is the 3rd largest manufacturer of chocolate after Germany and Italy in Europe. Over 600,000 tonnes of chocolate and cocoa products are produced annually.
The Turkish chocolate market is forecast to grow steadily at over 5% CAGR between 2022-2027. Domestic demand is robust, as Turks consume 4kg of chocolate per capita each year.
International exports are also increasing, with the EU, Middle East, and Asia being major markets for Turkish chocolate. Let’s explore some of the top chocolate brands driving growth.
8 Famous Chocolate Factories in Turkey
Here is our list of the most renowned chocolate factories and brands in Turkey:
1. Elit Chocolate
Founded in Istanbul in 1924 as “Elit Chocolate, Fruit and Patisserie Factory”, Elit brings masterful chocolate craftsmanship to connoisseurs worldwide.
With a massive product range spanning coated chocolates, pralines, bars, and more, Elit takes pride in its artisanal heritage, unique flavors, premium ingredients, and customer service.
2. Şölen
Headquartered in Gaziantep, Şölen was established in 1989. With deep confectionery expertise, Şölen offers a rich, diverse line-up of chocolates, biscuits, liquid chocolate, celebration chocolates, and other indulgent treats.
Thousands of skilled employees produce Şölen’s products adhering to strict food safety, hygiene, and quality standards.
3. Ülker Chocolate & Biscuit Factory
Founded in 1944 by brothers Sabri and Asim Ülker, Ülker has grown into one of Turkey’s most recognized domestic brands. Starting with chocolate and biscuits, Ülker began producing cakes, margarine, milk, and oils in the 1990s. They expanded into packaged foods and beverages in 2001.
4. Melodi Chocolate
Melodi Chocolate was founded in 1957 by Kemal Taşar in Samsun, who started at his father’s chocolate shop. In a short span, Melodi established itself as a leading chocolate producer in Turkey.
5. Mabel Chocolate
Mabel Chocolate keeps delighting chocolate fans with its luscious creations. It took 10 years of preparation for Mabel to perfect its signature chocolate, blending global confectionery technology and innovations.
By 1992, Mabel revolutionized Turkish flavored chocolate, securing a special recipe primarily infused with Belgian and Swiss influences. Today Mabel’s portfolio includes 500+ products.
6. Artu Chocolate
Established in 2014, Artu Chocolate entered the industry as a small chocolate atelier in Eminönü. Yet in a short time, they have achieved major innovations in Turkish chocolate.
Artu’s artisanal pralines, bars, spoons, and tablets are now iconic chocolate brands. Artu emphasizes food safety, hygiene, and great taste across its product range.
7. Eti Chocolate
Eti is a famed Turkish chocolate brand offering a rich selection of chocolate confections and pralines. With unique cocoa percentages, flavors to suit every palate, and superior quality, Eti chocolates are irresistibly delicious.
8. Godiva Turkish Chocolate
Godiva Chocolate is a Turkish-owned brand of gourmet chocolate that originated in Belgium in 1926. The founder, Pierre Draps, named the company after the legendary Lady Godiva, who rode naked through the streets of Coventry to protest against high taxes. Godiva Chocolate is known for its high-quality ingredients, elegant packaging, and innovative flavors.
How to Import Chocolate from Turkey
If you’re looking to import chocolate from Turkey, follow these steps:
- Research the target market and chocolate demand.
- Determine the varieties and product types needed.
- Identify suitable chocolate factories that can supply them.
- Obtain competitive pricing and capabilities to meet your budget and volumes.
- Initiate discussions and secure manufacturing terms.
- Complete the legal formalities for importing it into your country.
Partnering with a reputable Turkish chocolate brand can provide access to delicious chocolates tailored to your local audience.
Chocolate Prices in Turkey
Chocolate prices in Turkey vary based on the type and weight. But generally, 1 kg of plain chocolate ranges from 270 – 650 TL ($10-$30 USD). Small packaged chocolates are priced between 17 – 40 TL each ($0.75-$2 USD).
Pricing is quite affordable, especially for bulk and wholesale orders. Be sure to negotiate your import price based on order quantities.
Tips for Buying Turkish Chocolate
When looking to purchase Turkish chocolate, keep these tips in mind:
- Check ingredients and manufacturing standards. Go for 100% natural ingredients.
- Seek chocolate with higher cocoa percentages for better quality.
- Sample products before large orders to evaluate taste and consistency.
- Inspect packaging appeal, durability, and labeling compliance for your market.
- Ensure the factory has certifications like ISO, IFS, BRC, Halal, etc.
- Consider smaller craft chocolate producers for unique, artisanal offerings.
- Discuss customization options like private label, custom packaging, new flavors, etc.
Prioritizing quality, safety, and appealing taste will ensure your imported Turkish chocolate satisfies even discerning chocolate aficionados.
Why Turkish Chocolate Is So Popular
What makes Turkish chocolate so special? Here are some of the notable reasons it has gained worldwide fame:
Premium Ingredients
Turkey sources high-grade cocoa beans from Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Chocolate producers carefully select, blend, and roast beans to achieve complex flavors.
Artisanal Craftsmanship
Many Turkish chocolate makers employ artisanal techniques that have been passed down for generations. This mastery shines through in each bar and bonbon.
Innovative Flavors
Brands creatively combine regional ingredients like pistachios, hazelnuts, apricots, aromatic spices, Turkish coffee, and more to create chocolates with distinctive flavor profiles, drawing inspiration from Turkey’s geographic position bridging Europe and the Middle East.
Quality & Safety
Stringent quality control and food safety standards govern Turkish chocolate production, ensuring consistently safe, premium products.
With such devotion to the chocolate craft, it’s no wonder Turkish chocolate is beloved worldwide. Satisfy your chocolate cravings with delicious Turkish imports.
