Industrial Kitchen Professionals Bring the World to Istanbul with HOSTECH by TUSİD
The countdown has begun for HOSTECH by TUSİD, Turkey’s largest and Europe’s second-largest industrial kitchen and HORECA trade fair. This year, the fair is set to take place over 45,000 square meters, expecting 35,000 visitors from 140 countries, with a total of 400 companies from over 50 countries participating. Bekir Topuz, Chairman of the Industrial Kitchen, Laundry, Service, and Catering Equipment Manufacturers and Businesspeople Association (TUSİD), highlighted that the fair, first held 26 years ago on just 500 square meters, now demonstrates the strength of the sector on a global scale. Topuz emphasized Turkey’s unique position in terms of quality, location, and product diversity. He also projected that exports could exceed 6 billion dollars this year, noting: "A possible peace between Russia and Ukraine and developments in Syria could boost our exports. Provided there are no negative outcomes from the ongoing anti-dumping investigation, we expect a very good year."
HOSTECH by TUSİD: A Global Sectoral Meeting
HOSTECH by TUSİD, Turkey’s largest and Europe’s second-largest trade fair in hotels, restaurants, gastronomy, and kitchen equipment, is set to open at TÜYAP Fair and Congress Center from May 27–31, 2025, with participants from 140 countries. TUSİD was established 33 years ago, and its first fair was held 26 years ago on just 500 square meters. Topuz emphasized that today, Turkey hosts one of the largest sectoral gatherings in the world. He also noted that the fair in Turkey has already surpassed similar events in Europe, except for Italy, and could overtake Italy soon if larger exhibition spaces were available.
Significant Growth in Visitor Numbers and Global Reach
Topuz noted that the fair’s sales were previously limited to 11–12 thousand square meters but have gained significant momentum over the past 12 years. “We started inviting important international clients and covering their travel and accommodation expenses. Initially, some people were hesitant to bring their clients, but interest in the fair has grown steadily, particularly with digitalization. Our database now includes information on 18,000 companies from 110 countries. For this year’s fair, we are covering expenses for 1,200 attendees from these companies. We are bringing buying delegations from countries as diverse as India, Cuba, Colombia, and South Africa. In addition, we expect around 5,000 foreign participants who cover their own expenses. Overall, we expect 35,000 visitors, with significant increases from the USA, Russia, and Egypt. We spent approximately 2 million dollars on promotion this year, but we will generate far greater value,” he said.
Exports on Track to Surpass $6 Billion
Topuz reported that the kitchen sector’s exports in the first four months of 2025 reached 1.76 billion dollars. After a decline in the first two months, exports have recovered, approaching last year’s levels. “We are entering the high season. Orders from previous months are now being shipped, and we expect this export growth to continue. We see no problems in the industrial kitchen sector and are very optimistic about the second half of the year. We anticipate a 10% increase compared to last year and expect to surpass 6 billion dollars in exports by year-end,” he said.
Concerns Over Anti-Dumping Investigation and Additional Duties
Topuz also highlighted the sector’s challenges, particularly the 12% additional duty imposed last year and the ongoing anti-dumping investigation. “The main raw material for our stainless steel sector was hit by this additional duty. Without it, we could have reduced prices by 5% in export markets and significantly increased exports. Last year’s 20% decline in exports was largely due to this duty. Now, the anti-dumping investigation, expected to conclude in the summer, poses another risk. We trust that the Ministry of Trade will support the 50,000 manufacturers and 1 million employees in our sector, rather than jeopardizing it for the gain of a single company. A negative outcome could devastate our industry,” he said.
The additional duty on stainless steel also affected imports. Topuz stated, “Imports, especially in hand tools and household kitchen products, increased by about 1 billion dollars. Consequently, the sector’s trade surplus fell from 3.6 billion to 2.7 billion dollars. Many blamed China for this, and imports from China rose sharply.”
Potential for Export Growth from Regional Stability
Topuz emphasized that peace in surrounding regions could significantly boost exports. “A resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict would at least double exports to that region. Improved financial flows with Russia would also positively impact exports. Similarly, reconstruction in Syria, aided by the lifting of certain U.S. sanctions, would expand trade volume. With these developments, we expect exports to surge,” he said.
Turkey: A Global Gastronomy Hub
Turkey accounts for approximately 2.16% of global kitchen sector exports, ranking ninth worldwide. Topuz explained: "We are in a strong position due to our quality, which now exceeds European standards, and competitive pricing. Turkey’s location allows us to reach around 80 countries within a four-hour flight, and containers can reach Dubai in just one week. Additionally, Turkey is a global center for gastronomy, offering diverse cuisines and products across regions. This diversity enables us to produce a wide range of cooking devices, pots, and pans, placing Turkish kitchen products in a unique position worldwide."