One in every 4 flour packages around globe features Türkiye’s signature

Türkiye continues to dominate the global flour market, holding the top position in flour exports and ranking second in pasta exports, according to Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli.

Speaking at the 3rd IAOM Eurasia Conference and Exhibition, Yumakli highlighted Türkiye’s key role in the global grain industry, noting that 23% of the world’s flour is produced by Turkish manufacturers.

Türkiye’s flour export success

Yumakli, addressing participants in Baku, Azerbaijan, emphasized Türkiye’s leadership in flour exports, attributing this success to the country’s robust milling sector. “In 2023, Türkiye’s share of the global flour market reached 23%, meaning that one out of every four bags of flour worldwide is produced by Turkish manufacturers,” Yumakli stated.

He also noted that Türkiye ranks second globally in pasta exports.

The IAOM Eurasia Conference, which focuses on “Sustainable Food Security in a Changing Climate,” has drawn key players in the global grain industry. Yumakli underscored the importance of milling products for food security, particularly in the face of global challenges such as climate change, economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions.

Rising demand for milling products

Yumaklı pointed out that global demand for milling products is expected to rise significantly in the coming years. Citing United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) data, he projected that by 2050, the world will need 55% more water and 70% more food than today, largely due to population growth.

“This reality forms the foundation of our future food and agricultural policies,” he added.

According to Yumakli, the milling industry’s importance is growing worldwide, with increased attention to grain storage, transportation systems and milling machinery.

“There has been an unexpected surge in demand for milling equipment, resulting in significant capacity increases,” he noted, forecasting substantial growth in the sector by the second half of 2024.

Turkish milling industry poised for record growth

Yumakli revealed that the global trade volume of milling products has increased by 40% over the past five years, with trade reaching $60 billion in 2023. He expressed confidence that the Turkish milling sector will continue to lead the global market, stating: “In 2022, the Turkish milling industry closed the year with $2 billion in exports. Despite global economic tightening and conflicts, we surpassed $1.9 billion in 2023 and expect the sector to break new records in 2024.”

Türkiye’s flour production capacity is approximately 32 million tons annually, but the sector typically operates at about 45-50% of this capacity. Yumakli stressed the need to address underutilization in the industry, urging the sector to fully capitalize on its solid infrastructure.

Global leadership in flour and pasta exports

Türkiye exported around 15 million tons of flour in 2022, with most exports going to countries in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

“Türkiye is currently the global leader in flour exports and ranks second in pasta exports. This demonstrates the significant contribution of Turkish manufacturers to global food security,” Yumakli said.

He highlighted the Turkish milling industry’s success in various fields, from storage and transportation to automation and laboratory systems.

“The world’s largest flour, feed, starch, and coffee factories are being established by Turkish milling machine manufacturers,” he added.

Yumakli also pointed to Türkiye’s deep historical connection to milling, referencing Gobeklitepe in Sanlıurfa as the site where the world’s first wheat and flour were produced.

“This region, where milling first emerged, is proud to lead this crucial global industry,” he remarked.