The Dairy Olympics 2025 will be a key event for the industry, - Suleyman Bezirgan (Turkiye), co-founder of IFCM.
Suleyman, tell us a bit about yourself and your work in the Turkish dairy industry.
— I have been working in the field of agricultural exhibitions for more than 10 years. Initially, I collaborated with international exhibition companies, and later, I founded IFCM.
IFCM is an international company specializing in organizing exhibitions, congresses, and other events. We don't just host events; we create platforms that enable businesses to enter global markets and build connections. Additionally, I represent Sommet de l'Élevage (Livestock Summit) in Turkiye, helping Turkish companies establish direct access to the French market. We also represent five other exhibitions, including the Birmingham LAMMA Show, and organize various business events in Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkiye.
In Turkiye, IFCM is a unique event organizer, offering clients a full range of services. Our goal is to boost trade volumes between Turkiye and other countries, promote dairy product exports, and attract international visitors to Turkey.
How would you describe the current situation and key trends in Turkiye’s dairy sector? What challenges and opportunities do you see for producers?
— Turkiye’s dairy industry is at a turning point, facing challenges and opportunities for both farmers and entrepreneurs.
One of the main issues is managing production costs, which are influenced by economic conditions and currency fluctuations. The sector also needs technological modernization, as more than 60% of farms still operate using traditional methods.
Another challenge is market price stability. Prices need to remain stable to support trade and production.
However, we see significant growth opportunities, especially in export potential. Turkiye has a large number of animals, farmers, and processing plants, as well as a growing demand for high-value products. Technological innovation and efficiency improvements also play a critical role in the sector’s development. The Turkish market is resilient and adaptable, which are key strengths.
What innovative technologies or approaches are currently being implemented in Turkiye’s dairy industry?
— Turkiye’s dairy industry showcases numerous innovations that can serve as examples for other countries.
- Smart farming technologies: Adapting modern technology to farms is essential.
- Advanced milk processing methods: Large companies and plants are already leveraging cutting-edge technologies to strengthen their brands.
- Digital herd management solutions: Some companies are achieving great results using digital tools, which are bringing substantial benefits to the sector.
- Robotic milking and AI: Local companies are adopting these technologies, and some even develop AI-driven robotic milking machines, making the technologies more affordable and competitive.
Can you describe the differences between Turkiye’s dairy sector and that of Central Asia?
— On November 1, at the Sommet de l'Élevage, I met with Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister, and we discussed this topic. Both regions are seeing increased demand for dairy products, particularly high-value products, creating opportunities for farms and processing plants.
The dairy industry isn’t just about milk production; it involves processing, packaging, and logistics—a business chain that should appeal to international markets.
The primary difference lies in geopolitical and economic contexts. Central Asia is heavily influenced by China, with its vast population and substantial milk production. In contrast, Turkey relies on Chinese technologies while focusing on traditional, high-quality production and value-added products to strengthen its market position.
What consumer trends are you observing in Turkiye’s dairy industry and beyond? How are companies adapting?
— Over the past 20–30 years, consumer preferences have changed significantly. Urban consumers previously sought affordable products, but now metropolitan residents prefer high-quality items made using traditional or organic methods.
Companies are adapting by offering products that meet these expectations. Improved cold-chain logistics have made dairy products more accessible, expanding their variety and reach.
What initiatives and projects is IFCM implementing to support the dairy industry nationally and internationally?
— Our company actively supports equipment manufacturers in the dairy and agricultural sectors. We organize exhibitions that help them access new markets, find dealers, and exchange expertise.
In addition to exhibitions, we offer comprehensive services, including networking events, B2B meetings, and marketing materials. We collaborate with international events like Sommet de l'Élevage, the LAMMA Show, and forums in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
For farmers and industry professionals, we host the Global Farm Summit, a unique event connecting companies and farmers. This year’s summit will take place on December 5–6 in Bursa, Turkiye.
In May 2024, we partnered with DairyNews.today to organize the Dairy Olympics 2025, where I will oversee the exhibition segment. Our goal is to build platforms and bridges for global market access, uniting ministers, industry leaders, and farmers.
What is your vision for the future of the dairy industry in Turkiye and globally?
— The dairy industry continues to grow, as does product consumption. The key challenge remains finding the best production methods. We must improve education in farms and villages, boost productivity, and enhance genetics on farms.
This is a promising industry in Turkiye with potential far exceeding current levels. Farmers are industry leaders, and focusing on their development will drive efficiency and sustainability throughout the supply chain. The primary task is to adopt sustainable production methods.
Why did you decide to support the upcoming Dairy Olympics in April 2025?
— The Dairy Olympics has established itself as a premier global industry event. It provides annual insights into the global dairy sector and offers valuable networking opportunities.
When discussing our partnership, I suggested transforming the event by incorporating a small exhibition to add value. The goal is to merge academic knowledge with commercial opportunities, creating a comprehensive platform.
In 2025, the event will be held in the UAE from April 7–11. Beyond this, our partnership with DairyNews.today includes other initiatives for Turkiye’s dairy sector. Although I cannot reveal all the details yet, these projects will address key challenges and create growth opportunities for the industry.
Interested in speaking or sponsoring Dairy Olympics 2025?
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Gold Partner:Al Ain Farms
Partners: France Group , IFCM
