Turkey’s food and drinks industry stands as a cornerstone of its economy, contributing nearly 20% to the country’s GDP and showing promising signs of further expansion. Fueled by favorable geographical and climatic conditions, Turkey boasts a robust agricultural sector, which positions the country at the forefront as one of the world's leading producers. Over 3 million agricultural enterprises drive Turkey to the forefront of Europe’s agricultural economy. The country ranks 10th on a global scale. The sector has witnessed remarkable growth in exports, which soared by 408% between 2002 and 2020 with an average annual growth rate of 2.5% from 2003 to 2020. Turkey’s competitive edge in the food industry extends beyond its agricultural output. With lower labor costs compared to Europe and the rest of the world, coupled with strong government support through incentives and robust industrial infrastructure, the country presents an enticing proposition for both domestic and international players. Turkey’s strategic location offers advantageous trade opportunities, serving as a bridge between Europe, the Middle East and former Soviet countries. At the same time, the country presents a sizable market ripe for investment and expansion thanks to its large population (over 81 million) and fast-growing middle class However, the industry is not without its challenges. Dependence on food ingredients and the need for advanced processing equipment remain pressing issues. Climate change has been one of the biggest stressors for food manufacturing. To address these challenges, the government has begun to invest in irrigation projects and infrastructure improvements, which then lay the groundwork for sustained growth and development. In summary, Turkey’s food and drinks industry is poised for continued success by leaning on its strengths: agricultural abundance, favorable demographics and strategic investments to navigate challenges. At the same time, Turkey is also stepping into the foodtech arena with new startups.