How to Export Sucuk from Turkey to Lebanon?

How to Export Sucuk from Turkey to Lebanon? Lebanon, a country located in the eastern Mediterranean, boasts a delicious, diverse, and balanced culinary culture. Products such as fresh hard cheese, olives, jam, tomatoes, cucumbers, and sucuk are essential, especially at breakfast tables. Within this framework, sucuk reaches consumers through both local production and imports. However, because Lebanon has limited meat processing capacity, it imports the majority of its need for high-quality dried sucuk. This creates a significant export opportunity, especially for sucuk originating in Turkey. However, simply producing a high-quality product isn't enough. Success is achieved through the right processes, the right partners, and the right marketing strategy. The export process begins with the origin story. Lebanese consumers don't just ask about price; they also ask about where and how the product is produced. Therefore, the producer must clearly document the product's meat source, spice blend, drying method, and hygiene conditions. This information should be included in Arabic on the packaging, demonstrating the product's safety. Furthermore, the product must hold ISO 22000, HACCP, HALAL, and BRCGS certifications. These certificates are checked by the Lebanese Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and any missing information may result in the product being rejected at customs. One of the most important factors to consider in packaging is language and information integrity. The label must include the product name, net quantity, origin, expiration date, storage conditions, ingredients, and importer information. Information in Arabic and French is particularly essential in the Lebanese market, as these two languages are widely spoken. Furthermore, the color, design, and size of the packaging directly impact the consumer. For gift-giving purposes, details such as luxury boxes, ribbons, and note cards are added. E5 Global Trade supports the manufacturer's packaging design during this process and customizes it according to the target market's expectations. Turkey has a significant advantage in logistics. Products shipped by container from Mersin or Iskenderun to the Port of Beirut arrive within 5 to 8 days. This timeframe is significantly shorter than that of Asian competitors. Sample shipments by air can take 1 to 2 days. Dried meat products like sucuk (Turkish sausage) do not require refrigeration but must be protected from moisture and impact. Therefore, moisture-absorbing paper, foam protection, and rigid boxes are used in packaging. E5 Global Trade determines the most suitable logistics model (EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP), expedites customs procedures, and monitors the delivery process on a rolling basis. Distribution channels are diverse. Instead of selling directly to consumers, most manufacturers enter the market through a Beirut-based distributor or importer. This partner handles customs clearance, warehouses, distributes, and provides customer service. Large retailers (Mérite, Spinneys, Franck) and specialty food stores are particularly popular with these products. E5 Global Trade connects manufacturers with these partners, manages contracting processes, and ensures payment security. Trade fairs remain the most effective marketing method. Events like Lebanon Food & Hospitality, Gulfood Dubai, and The Big 5 are the fastest way to connect directly with buyers. E5 Global Trade manages the entire process, from setting up a manufacturer's stand at these fairs, printing brochures, providing translation services, and organizing appointments. Ultimately, exporting sausage from Turkey to Lebanon is not only possible by shipping products, but also through the right partnership, packaging, and distribution channels. E5 Global Trade is a partner who demonstrates that manufacturers are not alone in this journey. Because true trade is much more than just shipping products.