Millers' delegation in Türkiye to meet actors of the wheat flour supply chain

In September 2025, a delegation of European Flour Millers members from 12 countries travelled to Türkiye for a fact-finding study tour, with plant visits in Istanbul, Çorum and Izmir. The programme focused on the wheat supply chain and the flour milling & semolina industries.

The Turkish market for wheat, wheat flour, durum wheat and pasta, is a dynamic and significant player in the global agricultural landscape. Turkey is a substantial wheat and durum wheat producer. Here are some key indicators for the wheat flour supply chain (source are TÜIK and USDA, 2025):

- 19 million t of wheat production (2024/25) ranked 10th at global level
- 580 flour mills
- 32 million t of wheat flour production capacity
- 3 million t of wheat flour exports (2024) ranked 1st globally
- More than 70 countries served in wheat flour exports (2024)

The tour opened in Istanbul with a welcome dinner hosted by TUSAF, featuring presentations and exchanges with local industry leaders. In Çorum, members visited Alapala’s cutting-edge machinery production, automation systems, and training facilities.

The delegation then toured Barilla’s semolina & pasta production plant near Istanbul, before continuing to Izmir. There, at the invitation of the local Bühler branch, visits included Tezcan Flour Mill in Menemen followed by an exchange with the local Turkish Grain Trade Office (TMO).

This intense three-day programme provided a unique opportunity to better understand Turkey’s strategic role as both a major flour exporter and a leading pasta producer, while reinforcing cooperation between European and Turkish millers.