Hostech by TUSİD: A One-Billion-Dollar Fair

HOSTECH by TUSİD, Turkey’s largest and Europe’s second-largest trade fair in the industrial kitchen equipment sector, opened its doors at TÜYAP Fair Center with visitors from approximately 140 countries. Bekir Topuz, Chairman of the Industrial Kitchen, Laundry, Service, and Catering Equipment Manufacturers and Businesspeople Association (TUSİD), emphasized the strong interest in this year’s fair, noting that major wholesalers from the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East gathered in Istanbul. Topuz also underlined that this event will make a significant contribution to their year-end export target of 6 billion dollars.

International Visitors Double

First held 26 years ago on a 500-square-meter area, the fair has grown to a full capacity of 45,000 square meters this year, welcoming visitors from 140 countries. According to TUSİD Chairman Bekir Topuz, the number of participating companies reached 400. This year, international visitors doubled compared to last year, reaching 5,000, and total attendance is expected to reach 35,000. Topuz stated: "Our fair grows and develops every year. We spent approximately 2 million dollars on promotion this year, but we will generate much greater value. We are hosting visitors and buying delegations from 140 countries in Istanbul. In total, we found it worthwhile to cover the expenses of 1,200 people from 18,000 companies to bring them to Turkey. We expect a turnover of around 1 billion dollars at the fair, exceeding last year’s figures."

Topuz added that major wholesalers from the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East attended this year. "We are seeing significant demand from the United States, one of our most important markets. There is also strong participation from Europe, particularly Germany and Spain. Additionally, we are witnessing interest from fast-growing markets such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Likewise, 40 companies from Morocco, a target market and host of the 2030 World Cup, are participating."

Visitors Spend $2,000 Per Day

Highlighting both the sectoral impact of HOSTECH by TUSİD and its economic value to Turkey through attracting international participants, Topuz said: "A visitor coming to Turkey for the fair spends an average of 2,000 dollars per day on accommodation, transportation, shopping, and food & beverage. Moreover, many visitors do not limit themselves to Istanbul; they also visit our factories across Anatolia. This contributes to the Turkish economy and plays an important role in establishing long-term relationships. The fair we organize is extremely important for achieving our sector’s export target of 6 billion dollars."

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