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In recent years, Kuzuoğlu Group, headquartered in Fındıklı, Rize, Turkey, has emerged as a prominent player in the steelhead trout industry, notably celebrating its 24th anniversary in business. Since commencing exports in 2016, the company has witnessed significant growth, achieving USD 66 million (EUR 61.3 million) in sales in 2022 and notably increasing exports by 20% by volume and 38% by value. This expansion was primarily driven by heightened exports to Russia, where Kuzuoğlu Group holds the position of the leading Turkish trout exporter.
According to Kuzuoğlu Export and Marketing Manager Asiye Tataroglu, despite the notable growth, the year 2023 presented challenges for the company, particularly due to the complexities stemming from the Ukraine war. However, Tataroglu expressed optimism, noting improvements in the market dynamics and production capacity following the departure of several smaller competitors.
The Turkish trout industry has witnessed rapid growth, especially since 2018, when the Turkish government sanctioned the sale of domestic, sea-grown steelhead trout as "Turkish salmon." Major export destinations include Japan and Russia, with significant gains observed in the latter market amid disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions.
Despite global challenges, Kuzuoğlu Group has sustained its export operations to key markets such as Russia, Ukraine, the United States, Canada, Israel, Malaysia, Indonesia, Denmark, and Germany. Tataroglu emphasized the company's vertical integration, managing its own hatchery, farms, processing facility, and sales and marketing arm. Kuzuoğlu Group is renowned for its diverse product range, encompassing fresh and frozen trout, smoked products, fillets, roe, as well as sea bass, sea bream, and mussels.
Tataroglu highlighted the close-knit nature of the Turkish trout sector, characterized by camaraderie and cooperation among industry players. With a positive outlook for the sector, she noted stabilization in prices and improvements in production quality, particularly following the departure of smaller, less-established operators.
"This year shows promise for better performance compared to the previous year," Tataroglu concluded.
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