Türkiye’s chocolate industry is savoring sweet success, with exports soaring 61% in the first half of 2025, climbing from $461 million to $743.5 million compared to the same period in 2024.

While the country’s overall exports grew modestly by 4%, the chocolate confectionery sector has emerged as a standout, delivering joy to 180 countries and boosting Türkiye’s foreign currency reserves amid tough global trade conditions.

The surge was particularly striking in traditional chocolate powerhouses. Exports to Belgium, a global chocolate hub, skyrocketed 441%, rising from $3 million to $16.5 million. Germany followed suit, with imports of Turkish chocolate jumping 387%, from $7.8 million to $38.2 million. Other key markets, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Poland, Jordan, Hungary, Romania, Belarus, Lithuania, Australia, Norway, Czechia, and Ukraine, also posted triple-digit growth.

Muhammet Öztürk, head of the Aegean Grains, Pulses, Oil Seeds and Products Exporters' Association, lauded the chocolate sector’s strength, highlighting that confectionery exports hit $1.25 billion in 2025, up 10% from the previous year. “Achieving this amid rising global cocoa prices is impressive,” Öztürk remarked. “We project exports will reach $2 billion by the end of 2025, and we applaud the sector’s significant economic impact.” The association contributed $52 million to this year’s export total.

Iraq led as the top destination, importing $80 million worth of Turkish chocolate. The United States saw a 296% surge, with imports rising from $18 million to $71.5 million, vaulting it five spots to become a top buyer. Iran followed, with a 70% increase from $29 million to $49 million. In Europe, the United Kingdom’s imports soared 628%, from $3.8 million to $27.8 million, while France recorded a staggering 1,139% jump, from $792,000 to $9.8 million.

Türkiye’s chocolate industry is proving itself a global contender, blending quality and competitiveness to win over taste buds worldwide. As the sector sets its sights on the $2 billion mark, it’s clear Turkish chocolate is no longer just a local treat but a global sensation. (ILKHA)