Gunse Leafs, based in Mersin, Turkey, is a specialized exporter and manufacturer of premium-quality dried herbs and leaves, with a strong global presence in the spice trade. The company is renowned for its commitment to high-quality raw materials, meticulous drying processes, and consistent export reliability, making it a preferred supplier of Mediterranean aromatic herbs and botanicals.
Company Overview
Founded by Mr. Mert Yalçın, Gunse Leafs has established itself as a dedicated supplier of Turkish-origin dried leaves and culinary herbs, with expertise in processing, packaging, and international logistics. With strategic operations located in Mersin—a major agricultural export hub and port city—Gunse Leafs enjoys logistical advantages for fast, cost-effective shipment to global destinations.
Core Business Activities
Gunse Leafs focuses on:
- Harvesting and sourcing of indigenous Mediterranean herbs and leaves
- Sun and oven drying processes to ensure controlled moisture and preservation
- Grading, sorting, and hygienic packaging of bulk spices
- Export logistics for bulk and retail buyers worldwide
- Quality control and compliance with international food safety standards
The company operates in accordance with customer specifications for product cut, cleanliness, packaging, and moisture levels.
Product and Service Offerings
Gunse Leafs specializes in natural, whole, and ground leaves and herbs, including:
-
Leaves
- Laurel Leaves (Sun Dried) – Traditional drying method preserving essential oils
- Laurel Leaves (Oven Dried) – Controlled drying for uniform moisture and color
- Sage Leaves – Aromatic, dried whole leaf for culinary and herbal applications
-
Herbs
- Thyme Herb – Coarse or fine cut, rich in thymol
- Rosemary Herb – Needle leaf, aromatic and resinous
- Oregano Herb – High oil content, Mediterranean variety
All products are available in bulk packaging (10kg–25kg paper bags, cartons, or polypropylene sacks) and can be customized for retail clients with private label solutions.
Specialization and USP
- Origin Advantage: Sourced from ecologically rich Turkish Mediterranean regions
- Drying Expertise: Both sun and oven-dried options available to meet global buyer specifications
- Purity and Cleanliness: Adheres to low foreign matter and low moisture standards
- Export Reliability: Multi-country shipment capabilities with multilingual communication and support
Financials and Economic Impact
Gunse Leafs operates as a mid-sized exporter with a growing portfolio. Based on trade benchmarks and export volume:
- Estimated annual turnover: USD $3–7 million
- Export volume: Approx. 500–700 metric tons/year of dried herbs
- Active buyers: Over 25 international clients across Europe, Middle East, and North Africa
- Primary markets: Germany, Italy, UAE, Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco
The company contributes to the agricultural and export economy of southern Turkey, supporting farmers, seasonal workers, and logistics providers.
Shipments and Trade Activity
Gunse Leafs maintains a strong export track record, offering:
- HS Codes: 0910 (Spices, including thyme, laurel, sage)
- Container types: 20ft and 40ft dry containers
- Custom packaging: Paper/poly bags, cartons with buyer branding available
- Compliance: EU pesticide residue limits, moisture content below 12%, microbial tests upon request
Freight is typically FOB Mersin or CIF to buyer destination ports.
Target Market
Gunse Leafs serves:
- Global spice importers and wholesalers
- Herbal product manufacturers
- Food processors and spice packaging companies
- Essential oil distillers and aromatics industries
- Retailers seeking premium Mediterranean culinary herbs
Buyers value the consistent quality, purity, and custom-tailored packaging services.
Capabilities
- In-house sorting and packaging lines
- Moisture and oil content testing
- Bulk shipment consolidation and international document handling
- Bilingual export team (Turkish-English)
- Flexibility in lead times and order size (MOQ negotiable)
Certifications and Compliance
- Phytosanitary Certificates for all export shipments
- Turkish Ministry of Agriculture Approved Facility
- GMP-compliant practices
- Capable of meeting EU Regulation No. 396/2005 on pesticide residues
- Batch-wise laboratory testing on request (pesticide, aflatoxin, moisture)
Customer Testimonials
“Gunse Leafs has been a reliable partner in supplying us with high-grade laurel and thyme herbs for over three years. The oven-dried quality is unmatched.”
— Import Manager, Spice Company, Germany
“We appreciate their flexibility and consistency. Their packaging is always clean, and the herbs smell fresh and intact on arrival.”
— Buyer, Middle East Food Manufacturer
Major Achievements
- Expanded client base across 15+ countries since 2020
- Established premium-grade oven drying line for large-scale laurel leaf production
- Recognized by Turkish export councils for adherence to export quality standards
- Developed customized product lines for foodservice and retail spice brands
- Added rosemary and sage product lines in response to European and North African demand
Gunse Leafs continues to grow as a premium supplier of natural Mediterranean herbs and leaves, driven by agricultural heritage, sustainable practices, and unwavering focus on quality and global partnerships.