Exhibiting at Thaifex - Anuga Asia 2025

Mertsan Gida Ve Ihtiyaç Maddeleri Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.Ş. is a prominent Turkish manufacturer and exporter of confectionery products, specializing in a diverse range of sweets and private-label solutions. Based in Istanbul, Türkiye, the company has earned recognition for its innovation, consistency, and commitment to quality in the global candy and snack industry.

Company Overview and History

Founded in the early 1990s, Mertsan Gida has grown into one of Türkiye's leading confectionery producers. Over the past three decades, the company has developed deep capabilities in product formulation, private-label manufacturing, and international trade. Its dedication to affordable indulgence has enabled it to thrive in highly competitive export markets.

Operating under modern production facilities, Mertsan has positioned itself as a reliable partner for wholesalers, retailers, and brand owners across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Product Portfolio

Mertsan Gida offers a wide selection of confectionery products catering to various consumer segments. These include:

• Chewing Gum:

  • Sugar-free and sugared gum
  • Mint, fruit, and exotic flavors
  • Long-lasting flavor formulas

• Dragee Products:

  • Cocoa Dragees
  • Sugar-coated Chocolate Dragees
  • Nut-filled and fruit-core dragees

• Hard and Soft Candies:

  • Traditional Turkish fruit candies
  • Lollipops and filled candies

• Jelly and Gummy Products:

  • Fruit-flavored jellies
  • Sour gummies

• Wafers and Maquette (Mock Chocolate):

  • Chocolate-coated wafer bars
  • Cream-filled varieties
  • Budget-friendly mock chocolate coatings

• Private Label and Bulk Solutions:

  • Contract manufacturing for retail chains
  • Custom packaging and flavor development
  • Bulk packs for foodservice and distributors

This product diversity allows Mertsan to cater to both mass-market and specialized retail clients.

Manufacturing and Quality Capabilities

The company's production plant in Istanbul is equipped with:

• Automated molding, enrobing, and coating lines
• Dragee polishers and gum extruders
• Integrated packaging machinery for multipacks, flow wraps, and stand-up pouches
• Daily capacity of over 25 metric tons of confectionery

Mertsan Gida applies strict quality control systems, supported by in-house laboratory testing. The facility adheres to Turkish Food Codex and maintains compliance with international food safety standards.

Certifications and Compliance

Mertsan Gida emphasizes its commitment to hygiene, food safety, and regulatory compliance. Its certification portfolio includes:

• ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management System)
• HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
• Halal Certification
• GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) compliance
• In process of expanding BRC certification for broader EU penetration

These certifications enable seamless export to regions with strict import controls and retailer-specific audit requirements.

Export Markets and Trade Activity

Mertsan Gida exports the majority of its production. Based on available trade sources and industry data:

• Export Share: Over 80% of total production
• Primary Markets: Iraq, Libya, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Algeria, Germany, the United Kingdom
• Emerging Markets: Central Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, South America

Mertsan frequently supplies to wholesale distributors, private label clients, and duty-free zones.

Platforms such as ImportYeti and Trademo indicate:

• More than 600 recorded shipments between 2018–2024
• Key exported products include: chewing gum multipacks, cocoa dragees, jelly pouches

Brand Development and Private Label Leadership

While Mertsan is not widely known for branded products, its strength in OEM and private label manufacturing allows it to adapt to retailer and importer demands. Key offerings include:

• Flavor customization
• Language-specific labeling
• Shelf-ready packaging for global retail chains

Their client base includes regional supermarkets, convenience chains, and discount store brands.

Marketing and Trade Presence

Though Mertsan maintains a low profile in direct consumer advertising, it actively participates in B2B events and food exhibitions:

• ISM Cologne (Germany)
• Gulfood Dubai (UAE)
• WorldFood Istanbul

These platforms have helped it expand into new territories while building global supply partnerships.

Strategic Advantages

• Scalable production for large-volume buyers
• Flexible MOQ and format options
• Cost-efficiency for emerging markets
• Strong logistics via Istanbul’s international freight and seaport infrastructure

Its ability to execute high-mix production and deliver quality across product lines has earned it repeat contracts in both the Middle East and Europe.

Future Outlook

Mertsan Gida is investing in:

• R&D for healthier confectionery variants (e.g., low-sugar, functional gums)
• Expanding digital trade capabilities
• E-commerce compatible packaging formats
• Diversification into snack and chocolate hybrid categories

With over 30 years of market credibility, deep technical know-how, and expansive export activity, Mertsan Gida Ve Iht.Mad.San.Ve Tic.A.Ş. stands as a key exporter in Türkiye’s competitive confectionery landscape.