Exhibiting at International Food & Drink Event (IFE) 2025

Founded in 1924, Elit Çikolata ve Şekerleme Sanayi A.Ş. is one of Turkey’s oldest and most prestigious chocolate and confectionery manufacturers. With a legacy spanning over a century, Elit has grown from a boutique chocolatier in Istanbul to a global exporter of premium chocolates, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern production technologies.

Core Business

Elit specializes in the production of a wide range of chocolate and sugar confectionery products. The company’s operations include the development, manufacturing, packaging, and global distribution of premium chocolate goods. With a focus on quality and innovation, Elit serves both B2C retail markets and B2B sectors such as hospitality, gifting, private label, and duty-free retail.

Product and Service Offerings

Elit offers a diverse portfolio of products designed to cater to various consumer preferences and international market demands:

• Chocolate Bars: Milk, dark, and white chocolate bars with high-quality cocoa content sourced from select international suppliers.
• Dragees: Chocolate-covered nuts (hazelnuts, almonds) and fruits (raisins, orange peels).
• Truffles: Gourmet truffle assortments with creamy fillings and artisanal coatings.
• Sugar-Free Chocolates: A complete line of diabetic-friendly chocolates without compromising taste or texture.
• Hard Candies: Fruit-flavored and herbal hard candies using natural flavoring agents.
• Gift Collections: Elegant gift boxes designed for special occasions and corporate gifting.

Their product range is tailored for seasonal demand, private label packaging, and customization options, offering significant versatility to retail and wholesale partners.

Specialisation and Core USP

Elit’s unique strength lies in blending Turkish confectionery traditions with global chocolate-making standards. The brand’s signature truffles and chocolate spoon products have achieved cult status in regional and international markets. Elit’s production facilities operate under strict quality control systems and are capable of delivering tailor-made solutions for diverse markets—from luxury boutiques to large-scale FMCG distributors.

Financials

While Elit is a privately held company and does not publicly disclose detailed financials, industry sources estimate its annual revenue to exceed $50 million. This estimation is supported by their robust export volume, diverse product range, and presence in over 40 countries. The company has steadily invested in automation, logistics, and R&D to sustain its growth and maintain product innovation.

Shipment Records

Based on trade databases such as ImportYeti and Volza, Elit has consistently recorded high-volume international shipments. In the last 12 months alone, the company completed more than 75 international shipments, primarily to the USA, Germany, UK, and Gulf countries. The estimated total export value for the year stands at over $4.5 million, driven by B2B chocolate assortments, private label shipments, and specialty gifting boxes.

Target Market

Elit targets a multi-tiered global audience:

• Retail Consumers: High-quality chocolate enthusiasts looking for premium taste and gifting options.
• Hotels & Airlines: Customized mini bars and single-serve chocolates.
• Retail Chains & Duty-Free: Pre-packaged, shelf-ready gift items and seasonal specials.
• Private Label Buyers: Businesses seeking customized chocolate production and packaging.

The brand’s global footprint includes retail presence in Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Southeast Asia.

Capabilities

• Production Facilities: 30,000 m² modern factory located in Istanbul with fully automated chocolate molding, enrobing, and dragee lines.
• Custom Packaging: Full-service in-house design team for private label and gift packaging.
• Innovation Team: Continuous development of new flavors, formats, and packaging aligned with international trends.
• Export Compliance: Experienced in navigating customs, labeling, and trade regulations across various global regions.

Certifications and Compliance

Elit maintains strict adherence to international quality and safety standards:

• ISO 22000: Certified food safety management system.
• BRC Global Standard: Recognized for excellence in food production and supply chain.
• Halal Certification: Verified by Turkish and global Halal certification bodies.
• FDA Registered: For exports to the United States.

Customer Testimonials

Elit chocolates enjoy consistently high praise from distributors and retail buyers alike. A German distributor commented, “Elit’s truffle assortments rival some of the most expensive European brands—at half the price and twice the reliability.” Social media reviews also highlight the rich cocoa taste and aesthetic packaging as major customer draws.

Major Achievements

• Recognized among the Top 100 Exporters in Turkish Confectionery Industry for three consecutive years.
• Developed and launched the innovative chocolate spoon product, now a trending gift item in Europe and Asia.
• Regular participation in major trade shows including ISM Cologne, Gulfood Dubai, and SIAL Paris.
• Expanded private label production to include over 30 international retail brands.

With a perfect balance of tradition and innovation, Elit continues to be a symbol of Turkish chocolate excellence in the global market.