Best Companies to Import Chocolate from Turkey

The next time you savour a delightful piece of chocolate, you might find some comforting reassurance that your guilty pleasure isn't all that bad for you after all. Despite its often unfavourable reputation for contributing to weight gain, there's a surprising array of potential health advantages linked to this delectable indulgence.

History of Chocolate in Turkey

The history of chocolate in Turkey is relatively new and aligns closely with the establishment of the modern Turkish Republic in 1923. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Republic's founder, provided a 10-year tax exemption to Lion Melba, the country's first local chocolate manufacturer, to encourage domestic chocolate production. Lion Melba's chocolate factory was established in Istanbul and operated for a few decades before diversifying into different companies.

 Interestingly, during the late Ottoman and early Republican eras, ethnic Greeks from Istanbul and other parts of the Ottoman Empire were among the first to embrace the art of chocolate making and European-style pastry baking.

Besides Lion Melba, other chocolatiers that created renowned local brands included Giorgos Eleftheropoulos ("Elit"), Melopoulos ("Golden"), Ethnopoulos ("Royal"), Mihal Payotis ("Mabel"), and Filip Lenas ("Baylan"). Confiserie Leonidas SA, the Belgian chocolate producer with a significant international presence boasting 1400 retail outlets worldwide, was also founded by a former resident of Istanbul, Leonidas Kestekides, who emigrated to America in the early 1900s and later settled in Belgium.

Why is Tabadul the Best Company to Import Chocolate from Turkey?

What Makes Tabadul the Ideal Choice for Importing Chocolate from Turkey are the following:

Trusted Supplier Collaboration: Tabadul has established a strong partnership with the most reputable chocolate suppliers in Turkey, ensuring access to the finest chocolate products in the market.

Competitive Pricing: We offer highly competitive prices, making it cost-effective for businesses to import top-quality Turkish chocolates through us.

Exceptional Product Quality: Our commitment to quality means you can trust that the chocolates you import from Tabadul meet the highest standards of taste and craftsmanship.

Streamlined Import Process: Tabadul simplifies the import procedure, providing a hassle-free experience for our clients, and saving time and effort.

Expert Packaging Solutions: We offer top-notch packaging services, ensuring that your imported chocolates are well-protected and presented beautifully upon arrival.

Versatile Delivery Options: Tabadul provides various delivery options to suit your specific needs, ensuring that your chocolate shipments arrive on time and in optimal condition.

Best Producers of Chocolate in Turkey

Ulker

Ulker, a longstanding and prominent national brand in Turkey, traces its roots back to 1944 when it was founded by the late Ülker brothers, Sabri and Asım, in Eminonu’s Nohutcu Han. Over the years, the strength of the Ulker brand has continued to evolve, reflecting both tradition and innovation. Proudly adapting to the societal and economic changes in its place of origin, Ulker's commitment to renewal and progress is an ongoing journey without end.

Eti

Eti, established in 1961, stands as Turkey's second-largest and highly favoured brand in the realm of chocolates and confectionery. Furthermore, Eti is a global enterprise specializing in the production of chocolates in Turkiye, biscuits, and a variety of beloved snacks, not only within Turkey but also in several other nations. It has a selection of its well-received chocolate product lines, with companies like Eti Turkey, Eti Romania, and Eti Poland contributing to their success.

Solen

Founded in Gaziantep back in 1989, Solen has been dedicated to delivering a diverse range of products in the realms of snacks, children's items, gifts, and indulgent treats for over three decades. With an extensive background in this field, Solen remains steadfast in its commitment to food safety, hygiene, and unwavering quality, driven by an innovative perspective.

Among its notable brands are Biscolata, Ozmo, Milango, Boombastic, Luppo, Lokkum, and Nutymax, each of which has earned remarkable global acclaim. Solen boasts an impressive presence in the international market, exporting more than 200 different product varieties to over 120 countries, from the USA to Belgium, and from Japan to the Maldives.

Moreover, Solen maintains regional offices in key locations like Dubai, Algeria, Azerbaijan, the USA, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and England. It also has regional directorates serving the Levant Region, Canada, China, and Latin America.

Related: Check out our list of the best Turkish products ready to import.

Saray

Saray Biscuit takes pride in exporting its products, crafted in state-of-the-art facilities at the Karaman and Kirklareli factories. These factories rank among the most modern and high-capacity ones in Europe. They extend reach to over 110 countries, not only by delivering products but also by contributing to the establishment of new subsidiaries.

Saray Biscuit, a prominent player in Turkey's snack market, is on a steadfast journey towards global expansion. Their unwavering determination, innovative approach, and swift and dynamic decision-making, are propelling them closer to the ultimate goal of becoming a global corporation.

Related: Import from Turkey with These Easy Steps.

Melodi

Melodi's journey began in Samsun in 1957 when Kemal Tasar acquired the art of crafting chocolates at his father's chocolate shop. Carrying this cherished tradition with him to Istanbul, he continued to practice it throughout his life, proudly under the name of Melodi.

They brought together the finest cocoa beans from around the world, combined them with seasonal, fresh nuts, and used naturally extracted colours, employing innovative techniques. As pioneers in Turkey, they introduced products like dragees, chocolate-coated almond candies, and pebble chocolates.

They've been a part of countless festivities, weddings, and special celebrations, sharing in the moments that matter most in life. They've become synonymous with the spirit of giving and receiving, symbolizing the warmth of friendship and conversation.