Turkish confectionery exporters launch U.S. push in Miami

SweetTürkiye kicked off its U.S. expansion strategy with a tasting showcase in Miami on Sept. 18, 2026, bringing Turkish sweets, chocolates and baklava to more than 70 importers, buyers and media figures. The event was designed to build direct retail and foodservice ties across North America as demand for imported gourmet products grows.

Why it matters: - SweetTürkiye is targeting U.S. retail and foodservice distribution for Turkish confectionery. - The launch event connected Turkish exporters with U.S. importers, distributors, buyers and media in one of the country’s largest consumer markets. - The effort aims to turn cultural interest in Turkish sweets into export growth across North America.

What happened: - SweetTürkiye launched its U.S. expansion strategy with an exclusive B2B tasting showcase at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach in Miami on Sept. 18, 2026. - The event was held under the auspices of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) and the Istanbul Cereals, Pulses, Oil Seeds and Products Exporters' Association (İHBİR). - More than 70 people attended, including U.S. food importers, national retail buyers, trade journalists and culinary influencers. - Guests sampled premium chocolates, artisanal halva, Turkish delight and hand-crafted baklava. - The program included private B2B matchmaking sessions, strategic presentations, a multi-course dinner and a ceremonial cake-cutting.

The details: - Kazım Taycı, chairman of İHBİR, said Türkiye is already a global confectionery powerhouse that combines heritage recipes with production standards. - Taycı said Miami is a gateway to expand into U.S. retail and foodservice channels. - Food influencer Roy Donk, founder of Good Baklava, spoke about rising U.S. demand for authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern sweets. - Taycı presented Donk with an artisan Turkish coffee gift set to highlight the traditional pairing of Turkish coffee and confectionery. - SweetTürkiye is a flagship export initiative backed by TIM and İHBİR. - The initiative focuses on Turkish sweets, chocolates, bakery items and confectionery. - SweetTürkiye aims to connect Turkish manufacturers with international buyers and premium retail channels.

Between the lines: - Miami gives Turkish exporters a direct route to U.S. buyers in a city that already serves as a trade and cultural bridge to Latin America and the wider U.S. market. - The event format suggests SweetTürkiye is using food diplomacy and business matchmaking together, not just product sampling. - The emphasis on authentic and heritage-driven products signals a bet that premium positioning can win shelf space in competitive U.S. categories.

What's next: - SweetTürkiye plans to expand through media campaigns, trade alliances and broader retail distribution nationwide. - The initiative is positioning itself to capture more North American demand for imported gourmet sweets. - Further B2B outreach is likely as Turkish exporters move from tasting events toward commercial deals.

The bottom line: - SweetTürkiye is trying to convert Turkish confectionery’s cultural appeal into a sustained U.S. export channel, starting in Miami. More information