Among the top 1000 exporters of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM), the leading company in the export of ornamental plants and cut flowers in 2020 was Cicek A.S. which was jointly established by the companies in Antalya. The company came out first thanks to its exports of 8.3 million USD in the past year.
Founded in 1997 in Antalya, Turkey's most important cut flower and ornamental plants production and export center, and taking an active role in the market since 2018, Cicek A.S., in partnership with 7 companies, has managed to become the export leader of the sector in Turkey. Among the top 1000 exporters of TIM in Turkey in 2020, Cicek A.S. became the only company awarded in the sector with its export of 8.3 million USD in the ornamental plants and cut flowers sector. At the ceremony held last weekend, Cicek A.S. Chairman of the Board of Directors Lutfi Gobus received the award from Minister of Trade Mehmet Mus and TIM President Ismail Gulle.
Lutfi Gobus, who stated that Cicek A.S. was founded in 1997 on the philosophy of joining forces, acting together in the sector, joint purchases, and exports, said, “The prominent companies of the sector are among our partners. Our current total production area is around 300 hectares. About 4 years ago, when we spoke about cut flower export in Antalya, carnations always came to mind. We stepped into new varieties with our joint strength to show that flowers other than carnations can also be exported. We tried to expand our export portfolio and we were successful in this. At the moment, we are in a position to export close to 14 varieties of flowers."
"Cicek A.S. is an example of the unity of power and was able to ship a truckload of products every day during the high season. It was not possible to have a truckload shipment every day on the basis of an individual company. Jointly, we both fill the truck together and increase our competitiveness by delivering fresh flowers to the European market daily. For the last 3 years, we, as a group of Turkish flower growers, have started to sell under a single brand, which has increased our competitiveness in the European market. Thus, we have become a sought-after brand. In this, the partners of the sector have great success. Because we are able to produce at the same quality and export together."
"There are over 100 companies in the ornamental plants and cut flowers sector in Turkey. The 7 companies that formed Cicek A.S. correspond to approximately 50% of the industry. We can produce for 12 months and that we can easily meet the demands of the customer at any time. About 4 years ago, we established a new facility with a 1000 square meter cold storage and joint processing and packaging area, and our trucks move from here every day without breaking the cold chain."
"We are happy to be the biggest exporter of the sector and we aim to increase the export amount of 8.3 million USD in 2020 to 11-12 million USD this year. The total revenue of the partner companies is over 25 million USD, and there are logistical demands for new partnerships."
Source: Milliyet