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MFF Middle East Food Fair Opens with High-Level Participation in Gaziantep

The opening ceremony of the MFF Middle East Food Fair was held with the participation of Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology Dr. Çetin Ali Dönmez and distinguished protocol members.

Organized under the auspices of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), in cooperation with the Gaziantep Chamber of Industry (GSO) and Nobel Expo, and supported by the Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce (GTO), Southeast Anatolia Exporters' Associations (GAİB), and the Gaziantep Commodity Exchange (GTB), the fair has officially opened its doors.

The fair reinforces Gaziantep’s strategic position in food and food technologies, contributing significantly to the city's economic dynamism while opening doors to new international markets.

Key Remarks from the Opening Ceremony

Dr. Çetin Ali Dönmez – Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology

Dr. Dönmez emphasized that food has evolved from a basic necessity into a strategic power due to population growth, climate crises, and supply chain disruptions.

"Turkey holds a very strong position as a regional production and export hub. Gaziantep is a prime example of turning this potential into practice. This fair is not just an exhibition area; it is a platform where collaborations flourish and a vision for sustainable development is shared. Every connection made here contributes to our national export goals."

Kemal Çeber – Governor of Gaziantep

Governor Çeber highlighted the industrial trajectory of the region:

"In 15 to 20 years, this region—centered in Gaziantep—will become the 'New Marmara Region' of Turkey. While Gaziantep ranks among the top six exporting provinces, considering its geographical location and socioeconomic resilience, it is arguably number one in the country. This fair is a vital addition to our city’s growing sectoral portfolio."

Adnan Ünverdi – Chairman of the Gaziantep Chamber of Industry (GSO)

Ünverdi noted that food has become the most critical strategic sector:

"Gaziantep ranks 2nd in Turkey after Istanbul in agro-based industry. Last year, agricultural and grain products accounted for 35.3% of our city’s $10 billion total exports. For the first time, we are holding this fair with a purely B2B (Business-to-Business) focus, matching firms according to their specific expectations. We are creating a new chapter for the food industry, coinciding with the Development Road Project."

Hakan Aslansoy – Deputy Mayor & GSO Board Member

"Welcoming representatives from 24 countries is of great significance. Gaziantep accounts for 13% of Turkey’s total food exports. This organization will strengthen our city’s position in international trade and exhibitions."

Erhan Çelik – Chairman of Nobel Expo

Çelik addressed the shift toward quality-oriented buyer meetings:

"Many fairs worldwide suffer from a lack of qualified visitors. To solve this, we have specifically brought 1,174 professional buyers to this event. By organizing this in a B2B format, we ensure that participants meet 'point-blank' target buyers, making the process highly efficient for both the city and the country."

Fair Profile

The MFF Middle East Food Fair is a specialized B2B event bringing together the food, food processing machinery, and packaging sectors.

• International Reach: At least 500 qualified buyers (out of 1,174 professional invitees) from 24 countries, including Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Libya, Russia, Turkic Republics, and various African nations.

• Exhibits: A wide range of products from raw food production and processed goods to beverages and packaging technologies.

• Dates: The fair is open from May 7–9, 2025, between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.