Niyazi Önen, Founder and Chairman of Dardanel Group, expressed their commitment to expanding through exports, stating, "We had a fruitful fair where we met with industry innovations and secured collaboration opportunities. We received a remarkable interest at the fair with our Dardanel and Kallimanis brands. Following the successful fair, Kallimanis products will now be available in the Gulf region. For 2024, we aim for our turnover to exceed 400 million dollars, with exports expected to constitute 15% of our total revenue. Our growth targets are primarily driven by export growth in dollar terms. We currently export to 38 countries and are developing projects to reach new geographies with our own brands."

 

Highlighting their innovative and sustainable marketing efforts, Önen emphasized, "We continue our uninterrupted efforts in sustainable marketing at Dardanel. With nearly half a century of history, we operate domestically and internationally with dozens of brands and product varieties in 8 categories. Our investments prioritize innovative product diversity and the sustainability of international collaborations."

 

Önen also noted the increasing global demand for healthy and innovative food products, stating, "There is a continuous evolution in the sector driven by consumption needs and potential. The demand for internationally produced food meeting healthy seafood needs is increasing. We closely monitor sector developments and global consumption habits to sustain our growth and meet demands. Events like the Dubai Gulfood, which are recognized globally, play a significant role in our international marketing efforts and connecting with sector professionals for wholesale and retail collaborations."

 

Regarding the importance of R&D and innovation, Önen highlighted, "Producing value-added products is crucial for us. To achieve this, you need to be innovative and visionary in practice. Demonstrating your vision requires research, development, and innovation. This approach ensures that as a company, you continuously pioneer and remain youthful by producing innovative flavors tailored to consumer needs and tastes. The more you increase your range of value-added product varieties as a brand, the more consumers with different tastes from various geographies you can reach."

 

Dardanel's participation at Dubai Gulfood underscores its strategic focus on expanding its global footprint and enhancing its product offerings through innovation and sustainable practices in the food sector.