Turkish Delicacies at Foodex Japan 2026

Foodex Japan 2026, regarded as the most important gathering point for the Asian food market, took place in Tokyo, the capital of Japan, from 10 to 13 March. Exporters’ associations gathered under the Turkish Food Exporters (TGİ) brand showcased Türkiye’s rich product portfolio to professional visitors at the stand area set up at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition centre. The cereals, pulses, oilseeds and processed products sector, which accounts for 45 percent of Türkiye’s total food exports, reinforced its sustainable growth targets in the Japanese market through this event.

On the opening day of the fair, H.E. Oğuzhan Ertuğrul, Turkish Ambassador to Tokyo, Commercial Counsellor Mukaddes Nur Yılmaz and Trade Counsellor Sedat Yıldız visited the Turkish Food Exporters’ stand to receive information on the work being carried out. The delegation, accompanied by Muhammet Öztürk, Chairman of EİB Cereals, and Veysel Memiş, Chairman of AHBİB, held consultations on developing exports to the region and deepening bilateral trade cooperation. As part of the visit, the Embassy delegation also participated in tasting events organised to promote Turkish agricultural products.

In the tasting area, which attracted considerable interest throughout the fair, Michelin-starred chef Osman Serdaroğlu and Japanese chef Masato Shirakawa presented traditional Turkish recipes with a twist tailored to local tastes. High-quality products from Anatolia—the homeland of durum wheat—received top marks from Japanese professionals, particularly in the pasta and baked goods categories. The chefs exchanged ideas with the delegation regarding potential initiatives to promote the wider use of Turkish food products in Japanese restaurant and hotel kitchens.