The Turkish Pavilion at FOODEX JAPAN 2025: "Discover Unique Turkish Tastes"
This year, 42 Turkish companies showcased their products at the Turkish Pavilion under the theme “Discover Unique Turkish Tastes. " The diverse range of exhibits included vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, nuts, juices, beverages, pasta, flour, oils, sauces, pastes, processed goods, seasonings, confectionery, herbs, and spices. Among these companies, 13 made their debut at the event. Nearly 70% of the Turkish exhibitors returned for a second or more participation, reflecting the strong presence of those already distributing their products in Japan and their commitment to further solidifying their business foundation in the Japanese market. Turkish companies have been participating in FOODEX for nearly 30 years, and this unified pavilion marks over a decade of representing Türkiye at the event.
B2B Meetings and Tasting Sessions at the Trend Stage
At the Trend Stage, a cooking demonstration and tasting session featuring Turkish ingredients was hosted by Chef Osman Sedaroglu. Chef Sedaroglu, the founder and executive chef of Teruar Urla, earned a Michelin star in 2023. He trained at a culinary school in Istanbul, refined his skills at a Michelin two-star restaurant in Italy, and opened his restaurant in Urla in 2020. The cooking demonstrations by this Michelin-starred chef were a huge hit, with tasting sessions held four times a day, each quickly disappearing as attendees flocked to experience his creations.
One restaurant owner who participated in the tasting commented, “It was a fantastic experience to try Turkish ingredients, which I had not encountered before. Initially, I was unsure how to use them in cooking, but after seeing how they are prepared and presented, I now appreciate their potential deliciousness. I would like to incorporate them into new menu items.”
Another supermarket buyer attendee shared, “I tried the 'Falafel and Yuzu Mayonnaise,' and it was absolutely delicious. While falafel is typically recognized as a Middle Eastern or Israeli dish in Japan, I believe that promoting new ingredients would be much more effective if tastings like this were offered at retail locations. It provided valuable insight. It would have been even better if there had been explanations about how Turkish falafel differs from those of other countries.”
Below are some of the tasting menu items offered at the event.
“KISIR” Sushi with Ponzu Sauce
ORZOTTO Pilaf and Sesame Spicy Chicken with Soy Sauce
FALAFEL and Yuzu Mayonnaise 
“SÜTLAÇʼʼ with Dried Fruits and NutsPavilion Organizer: Aegean Exporters’ Associations (EIB)
The Aegean Exporters’ Association (EIB) is the pavilion organizer for Foodex Japan. Since its founding in 1939, EIB has been committed to promoting the Aegean region and assisting Turkish companies in exploring new markets. Türkiye’s agricultural economy is the 7th largest in the world. The EIB’s member companies are predominantly in the Aegean region, which is famous for its agricultural products. In total, the EIB comprises 8,000 companies across all sectors, with more than 3,250 of these companies engaged in areas such as fruits and vegetables, grains, pulses, oilseeds, dried fruits, processed foods, olives, olive oil, livestock, seafood, dairy products, eggs, honey, forest products, and tobacco.
"delicious Japan" had the opportunity to interview three standout companies from this year's Turkish Pavilion. In the following pages, we will share their stories and reveal what makes them truly unique.
