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Founded as part of the Istanbul Exporters' Association, the İstanbul Fındık ve Mamulleri İhracatçıları Birliği (İFMİB) plays a pivotal role in representing and promoting Turkey’s hazelnut export sector. As an officially recognized trade body, İFMİB coordinates efforts of its members to elevate Turkey’s global position in the hazelnut and nut-based product markets.

Core Mission and Role

İFMİB serves as a central organization for Turkish exporters involved in the production and international trade of hazelnuts and related products. It is affiliated with the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) and operates under the umbrella of Istanbul Exporters' Association (İİB). The association:

• Facilitates international trade opportunities
• Organizes promotional campaigns and international exhibitions
• Coordinates research and innovation within the hazelnut sector
• Provides export guidance and compliance support to member companies

Product Categories and Export Offerings

İFMİB supports the promotion and export of a wide variety of hazelnut products, including:

• In-shell Hazelnuts
• Natural Hazelnut Kernels
• Blanched Hazelnut Kernels
• Roasted Hazelnut Kernels
• Diced and Sliced Kernels
• Hazelnut Paste and Meal

These products are used in confectionery, bakery, snacks, and nutritional products, meeting the demands of both B2B and B2C global markets.

Market Reach and Export Data

Turkey is the world’s largest producer and exporter of hazelnuts, and İFMİB represents a significant share of this trade. According to their 2024 export report:

• Export Value (2023): USD 1.88 billion
• Volume: Over 312,000 metric tons of hazelnuts and hazelnut-based products exported
• Top Destinations: Germany, Italy, France, China, Canada, USA, India, and South Korea
• Member Companies: Over 200 registered exporters under İFMİB

(Source: İFMİB 2024 Export Report)

Promotional Campaigns and Strategic Programs

İFMİB actively engages in international marketing and capacity-building projects:

• UR-GE Project: Aims to increase the competitiveness of hazelnut exporters through joint training, consultancy, and global B2B events.
• “Turkish Nuts” Branding Campaign: Developed to increase brand visibility in key markets through trade fairs and digital platforms.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Promotes environmentally friendly farming and processing practices among member companies.

Certifications and Quality Assurance

İFMİB ensures members comply with international food safety and export quality standards, often supporting them in obtaining:

• ISO 22000
• BRC (British Retail Consortium)
• IFS (International Featured Standards)
• Halal and Kosher certifications
• EU Organic and USDA Organic certifications

These compliance frameworks enhance the credibility and exportability of Turkish hazelnuts globally.

Infrastructure and Capabilities

Though İFMİB is a trade association and not a direct manufacturer, it coordinates with industry stakeholders to:

• Host technical workshops and export training seminars
• Provide legal and documentation assistance for overseas trade
• Support digital transformation initiatives among exporters
• Operate a digital resource hub with market analytics and trend insights

Customer and Market Testimonials

“The Turkish hazelnut sector, led by İFMİB, remains unmatched in quality and reliability. The association's support ensures that products meet the highest standards demanded by global buyers.”
– Global Procurement Director, European Confectionery Group

“İFMİB’s programs helped us expand into Asian markets with structured trade missions and localized branding campaigns.”
– Member Exporter from Giresun Region

Key Achievements

• Achieved 70% share of global hazelnut exports in 2023 under its registered members
• Successfully launched the Turkish Hazelnuts digital brand portal
• Facilitated entry into 12 new markets through coordinated trade missions in the last five years
• Contributed to policy development on sustainable hazelnut cultivation with the Ministry of Agriculture

İFMİB remains at the forefront of Turkey’s agricultural exports, ensuring that Turkish hazelnuts retain their position as the gold standard in the global market through strategic innovation, quality assurance, and member development.