Çelenli Gıda ve İhtiyaç Maddeleri İthalat İhracat Sanayi ve Ticaret Ltd. Şti. is a traditional Turkish confectionery manufacturer based in Istanbul, Türkiye. Operating under its flagship brand İnci Beyaz, the company has earned a strong presence in both domestic and export markets through its artisanal approach to producing classic sweets such as Turkish delight (lokum), halva, and cotton candy.
Company Background
Established by Samet Taş, Çelenli Gıda has grown from a small family-run operation into a recognized supplier of authentic Turkish confections. The company combines centuries-old recipes with modern food safety practices, delivering products that retain cultural authenticity while meeting international quality standards. The brand “İnci Beyaz” translates to “White Pearl,” symbolizing purity, elegance, and tradition—core tenets of the company's production philosophy.
Product Portfolio
Turkish Delight (Lokum)
- Double Pistachio Delight: Premium lokum featuring whole roasted pistachios in a chewy, fragrant base.
- Pomegranate Flavor: Infused with natural pomegranate extract for a tangy, fruit-forward twist.
- Mixed Flavors: A combination of rose, lemon, mint, orange, and mastic—tailored for gifting and retail presentation.
Halva
- Plain Tahini Halva: Made from finely ground sesame and sugar, available in block and slice formats.
- Cocoa Halva: Marbled with chocolate for a more modern flavor variant.
Cotton Candy (Pişmaniye)
- Traditional hand-pulled sweet with a fibrous, melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Unique Selling Propositions
- Traditional Craftsmanship: Recipes and methods rooted in Ottoman-era techniques.
- Natural Ingredients: Emphasis on natural flavoring, no artificial preservatives in core products.
- Export Readiness: Packaging and labeling tailored to various international regulatory and cultural requirements.
- Gift-Ready Presentation: Decorative tins and boxes aimed at high-end retail and gifting segments.
Manufacturing and Capacity
- Production Facility: Located in Istanbul, Türkiye.
- Certifications:
- Turkish Ministry of Agriculture-approved food processing license.
- HACCP-aligned hygiene protocols.
- Daily Production Volume:
- Turkish Delight: ~1.5 tons
- Halva: ~800 kg
- Cotton Candy: ~500 kg
Export and Market Presence
Çelenli Gıda actively exports its İnci Beyaz brand to numerous global markets:
- Key Export Countries: Germany, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, and Netherlands.
- Distribution Channels: Ethnic supermarkets, duty-free retailers, Turkish diaspora markets, and online ethnic product stores.
- Trade Data Insights:
- Over 250 international shipments in the past 3 years.
- Estimated export value: USD 1.2–1.5 million annually, according to ImportYeti and Volza databases.
- Repeat contracts with regional distributors and halal food importers.
Target Customers
- Retail Distributors of ethnic, gourmet, and Turkish food.
- Gift and Souvenir Shops catering to tourists.
- Hotels and Airlines offering traditional sweets as part of their hospitality services.
- Halal Food Importers in Middle East and North Africa.
Customer Feedback
“Our customers love the İnci Beyaz pistachio delight. It’s an authentic taste of Türkiye, beautifully presented.”
— Buyer, Middle Eastern Import & Distribution, UAE
“Reliable supplier with consistent product quality. The halva and lokum varieties meet our high standards for our Turkish aisle.”
— Category Manager, Ethnic Supermarket Chain, Germany
Trade Shows and Recognition
- Regular exhibitor at WorldFood Istanbul and ISM Cologne (Germany).
- Listed in Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TIM) confectionery exporters directory.
- Gained recognition in 2023 as a featured artisan lokum brand in Turkish Trade Ministry’s Export Acceleration Program.
Brand: İnci Beyaz
The İnci Beyaz brand represents a blend of heritage and refinement, with a product line that appeals to connoisseurs of Turkish sweets. Its packaging, flavor development, and export strategy are aligned to meet the tastes of both traditionalists and new-age gourmet snack enthusiasts.
Çelenli Gıda ve İhtiyaç Maddeleri Ltd. Şti. continues to champion Turkish confectionery on the global stage, serving as a bridge between Türkiye’s culinary history and international consumer trends.