top of page
Eel market and situation in Turkey with emphasis on European eel (Anguilla anguilla) exports
The global eel market is a rapidly developing industry due to high demand, especially in East Asia, where eels are considered a delicacy. The eel market in Turkey has significant potential due to the country’s geographical location and climate, which are conducive to eel farming. Despite limited domestic demand, Turkey’s export-oriented eel industry is growing, with companies such as Reform Fisheries leading the way in processing and exporting high-value eel products.
Introduction of European eel (Anguilla anguilla) to the Turkish export market.
The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is one of the most valuable species in the eel market, known for its rich flavor and high nutritional value. However, due to population declines due to overfishing and environmental pressures, the species has been listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in order to regulate and protect its trade. Despite the restrictions, thanks to the expertise of Reform Aquaculture, led by Mehmet Damar, Turkey has managed to develop a sustainable and legal export route for Anguilla-Anguilla, positioning Turkey as a reliable supplier in the global eel market.
Contribution of fisheries reform to eel exports
Reform Su Urunleri Mehmet Damar became the first company to export Anguilla anguilla from Turkey under CITES regulations in 2017. Initially, the eels were packaged live and shipped by air to markets in South Korea, Japan and Taiwan, meeting the high demand for live eels in these regions.
Expanding product range and increasing value
Realizing the potential of the value-added product, Reform Fisheries expanded its eel processing capabilities in the following years. The company began to diversify its offerings with high-value eel products:
• Stuffed Eel: This option meets the needs of international customers looking for convenience and ready-to-cook formats.
• Unagi Kabayaki: Grilled eel cooked in traditional Japanese style and topped with sweet and salty tare sauce.
• Unagi Shirayaki: Another Japanese dish, eel is grilled without sauce, preserving its natural flavor.
• Smoked Eel: This product is prepared using traditional smoking methods to enhance the rich, smoky flavor of eel and appeal to markets interested in smoked seafood.
By diversifying these processed products, Reform Fisheries has successfully expanded its presence in the Turkish eel market to cover a wider range of countries and appeal to different consumer preferences. This shift has allowed the company to expand into premium markets for unagi, a dish with significant culinary and cultural significance in East Asia.
Increase in export volume and added value
With these initiatives, Reform Fisheries has elevated Turkey’s position in the global eel market and contributed to the increase in export volume and value of Turkish eel products. The company has transformed eel into high-demand products such as unagi kabayaki, unagi shirayaki and smoked eel, creating a range of high-value products that are sold at high prices internationally.
These efforts not only benefit the Turkish seafood industry, but also add significant value to the eel trade, going beyond live eel exports and processing into products that meet a variety of culinary needs around the world.
Solution
Led by pioneers such as Reform Fisheries, the Turkish eel market demonstrates the country’s growing ability to produce and export high-value eel products. Turkey has positioned itself as a reliable and innovative player in the eel sector through its commitment to international standards, sustainable practices and product diversity. This change not only supports global eel demand, but also contributes to the Turkish economy by generating higher-value exports and opening new markets.
bottom of page