AHBİB highlights Turkish bulgur at two major promotional events in Moscow

The Mediterranean Cereals, Pulses, Oil Seeds and Products Exporters’ Association (AHBİB) carried out a series of events in Russia aimed at strengthening the position of the Turkish food sector. During the Russia Sectoral Trade Delegation held in the capital Moscow between 14–18 September, new trade bridges were established, while a gastronomic feast featuring bulgur-based dishes took place within the scope of the Turquality Bulgur Promotion Project, carried out under the umbrella of Türkiye Food Exporters in cooperation with the Mediterranean Exporters’ Associations (AKİB) and the Southeastern Anatolia Exporters’ Associations (GAİB).

AHBİB members open new doors through B2B meetings
On the first day of the Russia Sectoral Trade Delegation, AHBİB Chairman of the Board Veysel Memiş, Board Member Serdar Yıldızgörer and company representatives visited the Trade Counsellor’s Office of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Moscow. Meeting with Chief Trade Counsellors Çiğdem Şamiloğlu Erkoç and Kadir Sarıkaya, and Trade Counsellor Ahmet Onur Öztürk, the delegation received detailed information on the Russian market. Later, they examined products on site and discussed potential collaborations in meetings with the executives of Russian company Granda Trade.

On the second day of the Sectoral Trade Delegation, AHBİB member companies held B2B meetings. The members had the opportunity to present their products directly to Russian counterparts and explore ways to develop mutual trade. Chairman Veysel Memiş and Board Member Serdar Yıldızgörer visited the stands of AHBİB member companies exhibiting at the WorldFood Moscow 2025 Fair held between 16–19 September and wished them success. AHBİB executives also exchanged views on the sector’s development and export potential in the Russian market.

Chairman Veysel Memiş introduces Turkish bulgur to Russian media
In addition to the trade delegation activities, the Bulgur Tasting Event held in Moscow attracted great interest. During the press conference organized within the scope of the project, Chairman Veysel Memiş emphasized that Turkish bulgur is an ancient Anatolian heritage and shared its healthy and sustainable qualities with the Russian public. The event also addressed the compatibility of Turkish bulgur with Russian cuisine, its contribution to healthy living trends, export growth, and new promotional strategies. Chairman Memiş gave a special interview to Anna Gara, a reporter

for RBK (Russian Business Channel), one of Russia’s leading business and economic media outlets.

Gastronomy and diplomacy blended with bulgur-based delicacies

The second major promotional event of the Turquality Bulgur Promotion Project brought together Russian gastronomy officials and media representatives. Hosted by AHBİB Chairman Veysel Memiş, the event was attended by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Moscow Tanju Bilgiç and his spouse Betül Aksoy Bilgiç, along with distinguished guests. At the event held in a restaurant in Moscow, famous chef Arda Türkmen served fennel tabbouleh, bulgur meatballs with beetroot cacık, slow-cooked lamb with pine nut freekeh and dried plums, and baklava rolls with figs and bulgur.

Speaking at the event held under the motto “Turkish Bulgur on Russian Tables,” Ambassador Tanju Bilgiç recalled that a similar event was held last year and said, “I see that this event has been successful.”

Touching upon economic and trade relations between Türkiye and Russia, Ambassador Bilgiç said, “There is a very large trade volume with Russia. But beyond that, we have a target of reaching 100 billion dollars in trade volume. One of the key elements of our trade is the export and import of agricultural products, and bulgur is one of the important pillars of agricultural exports.” Bilgiç emphasized that bulgur holds a significant place in Turkish cuisine and congratulated the Ministry of Trade and AHBİB executives for organizing the event.

“Turkish bulgur is finding more and more space on Russian tables”
In his opening speech, AHBİB Chairman Veysel Memiş stated that bulgur is a healthy, nutritious, satisfying, and long-lasting product, saying, “Turkish bulgur has been a part of Anatolian culinary culture for thousands of years. It is no coincidence that our first stop on the journey to promote Turkish bulgur, which we export to 134 countries, is Russia. In addition to the logistical advantages of our geographical proximity, the fact that Russian friends visiting our country for many years have come to know and like our cuisine, and that Turkish TV series have gained great popularity in Russia, making our culinary culture more recognizable, have all made the Russian market a strategic one for us.”

Reminding that bulgur was also promoted in Moscow last year, Memiş said, “Following our promotional activities within the scope of the Bulgur Turquality Project, Russia rose from fifth to fourth place among Turkish bulgur export markets. In 2024, our total bulgur exports reached 13.1 million dollars, while in the Russian market we achieved a 28% increase in volume and a 3% increase in value, earning our country 9.3 million dollars in foreign currency. This is an important indicator that Turkish bulgur is finding more and more space on Russian tables. In the 2025–2026 period, our communication and promotional strategy will focus on positioning Turkish bulgur as a product associated with healthy living. By scanning the QR codes on 100-gram packages to be distributed free of charge in supermarkets, you will be able to access practical recipes from our esteemed Russian chef Oleg Tomilin. In addition, this year you will continue to see Turkish bulgur in many places, from supermarkets to metro stations, from restaurants to daily life.”

Chef Arda Türkmen also emphasized that they aim to continue introducing Turkish bulgur from Russia to Europe and the rest of the world, saying, “Bulgur is an important and special product for our geography. We have different varieties of bulgur, and those from different regions are used in various ways. It is one of our sacred products. Bulgur is a product that can easily find its place on every table and in every country.”