Exhibiting at Thaifex - Anuga Asia 2025

Founded in Istanbul, Turkey, Helis Draje Gida Sanayi ve Ticaret Ltd. Şti. is a dynamic and innovative manufacturer and exporter specializing in chocolate-coated confectionery and traditional Turkish sweets. With a strategic focus on high-quality production and global reach, Helis Draje has steadily built its reputation as a reliable supplier of premium sweets and chocolate snacks for over a decade.

Core Business and Product Portfolio

Helis Draje’s product lines cater to diverse global tastes while preserving traditional Turkish delicacy craftsmanship. The company's main product categories include:

• Chocolate-Coated Products

  • Chocolate-coated hazelnuts
  • Chocolate-coated almonds
  • Chocolate-coated raisins
  • Chocolate-coated dried apricots

• Confectionery

  • Bonbons and caramels
  • Nougats and fondants
  • Turkish delight (lokum)
  • Halva and pişmaniye (Turkish cotton candy)

• Gum & Pastilles

  • Chewing gum
  • Medicinal and flavored pastilles
  • Herbal lozenges

• Cocoa Derivatives

  • Cocoa powder
  • Cocoa butter
  • Cocoa liquor (mass)

These products are available under both the company’s own brand, Helis Draje, and private label options for international distributors and retailers.

Specialization and Competitive Advantage

Helis Draje’s competitive edge lies in its hybrid production capabilities, seamlessly blending artisanal Turkish confectionery methods with industrial-scale chocolate coating technologies. The company has:

• In-house dragee (coating) units with multi-layer panning equipment
• Customized recipe development for clients with unique flavor profiles
• High-capacity automated packaging lines supporting retail, bulk, and gifting formats

Helis Draje complies with ISO 22000, HACCP, and Halal certification standards, ensuring quality, safety, and compatibility with key consumer expectations across various regions.

Financial and Export Overview

While specific financials are undisclosed, trade databases and public export records indicate:

• Estimated Export Revenue (2023): $8–10 million
• Annual Export Volume: Over 2,500 metric tons
• Production Capacity: Approx. 6,000 tons per year of assorted confectionery and chocolate-coated items

Helis Draje has shown an average 15% annual growth in export value between 2020–2023, driven largely by increasing demand for chocolate snacks and Turkish delicacies in Europe and the Middle East.

Key Export Markets

According to data from platforms such as ImportYeti and Volza:

• Top Importing Countries: Germany, France, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Libya, Iraq, Romania
• Distributor Networks: Over 40 international distributors and foodservice suppliers

The company’s ability to tailor products to regional tastes and compliance standards has made it a preferred private label partner in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

Target Markets and Customer Segments

Helis Draje strategically targets:

• Retail chains and supermarkets with private label or co-branded SKUs
• Duty-free operators and gift box retailers with seasonal and festive packs
• Foodservice suppliers and wholesalers serving cafes, hotels, and caterers
• Health-conscious buyers seeking natural ingredients, halal-compliant confectionery, and reduced sugar variants

Manufacturing and Innovation Capabilities

• Location: Istanbul-based production site with over 4,000 m² covered area
• Daily Output: Over 20 tons of assorted products
• R&D Capabilities: Focused on vegan alternatives, fruit-infused chocolate coatings, and sugar-free dragees

The company invests in continuous modernization, and recently introduced biodegradable packaging formats for select products as part of its green commitment.

Certifications and Compliance

Helis Draje operates under stringent international standards:

• ISO 22000:2018 (Food Safety Management)
• HACCP Certified
• Halal Certified by Turkish and GCC authorities
• Customs-Union Compliant for export to Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus

Regular audits and third-party inspections ensure regulatory alignment and product integrity.

Customer Testimonials

A German distributor commented:

“We’ve collaborated with Helis Draje for over 6 years. Their responsiveness to our custom flavor requests and timely delivery schedules have been excellent. The quality has remained consistent throughout.”

A Saudi retailer shared:

“Their chocolate-coated nuts and dragees are among the best-selling items in our Ramadan gift collection. Helis Draje is dependable and forward-thinking.”

Major Achievements

• Exported to over 35 countries as of 2024
• Launched 12 new SKUs in 2023 including sugar-free pomegranate dragees
• Received 'Exporter of the Year' recognition by Istanbul Exporters’ Association (2022)
• Participated in global expos such as ISM Cologne, Gulfood Dubai, and SIAL Paris

Helis Draje Gida Sanayi ve Ticaret Ltd. Şti. continues to expand its international footprint through innovation, quality, and authentic Turkish craftsmanship, offering sweet moments to consumers across the globe.