Turkish spirits are gaining ground in markets across the world. From rakı to gin to zivania, buyers and distributors are taking notice.
The quality is there, the history is real, and more Turkish producers are now set up to serve international demand properly. Here is a clear look at why this is happening.
A Deep History of Making Spirits
Turkey has been producing spirits for a very long time. Drinks like rakı and zivania go back centuries. This is not a trend built on marketing. It is a tradition built on real knowledge of grapes, grain, and production that has been refined over generations.
That kind of background shows up in the quality of the final product, and buyers around the world are starting to recognize it.
Why Global Buyers Are Turning to Turkey
For a long time, the same countries dominated the spirits market. Buyers looking to expand their product range are now exploring new sourcing markets, and Turkey keeps coming up.
Here is why:
- Turkish producers offer a wide range of spirits from a single source.
- Quality raw materials, including local grapes and grain, feed into a distinctive end product.
- Producers with decades of experience are now actively exporting.
- Pricing is competitive without compromising on quality.
This combination is making Turkey a practical choice for importers and distributors worldwide.
Rakı Led the Way, Then Came Everything Else
Rakı is Turkey’s most iconic spirit. It is an anise-based drink that turns milky white when mixed with water, and there is nothing quite like it from any other country. It built a following in international markets and opened the door for buyers to discover what else Turkey was producing.
Once buyers saw that the quality extended beyond rakı, interest in Turkish vodka, gin, whiskey, and liqueur grew quickly.
MEY İÇKİ SANAYI LIMITED: Built on Decades of Experience
MEY İÇKİ SANAYI LIMITED is a strong example of what Turkish spirits production looks like at its best. The company has been running since 1975, but the family behind it was working with grapes long before that, including the well-known Galatya grape that was popular with international tasters in England and other markets.
Today, MEY İÇKİ runs factories in Manisa and Edirne, Turkey, and owns the Mehmetçik Vineyards in Iskele. Their headquarters are based in Famagusta, Northern Cyprus. Owning their own vineyards gives them direct control over their raw material, which keeps quality consistent across their full product range.
What MEY İÇKİ Produces
Their range covers multiple spirit categories, which makes them a practical single-source supplier for buyers:
- Rakı: Anadolu and Aşina labels, including the premium Aşina Gold
- Vodka: Anadolu Vodka, suited for both retail and bar supply
- Gin: Cornaro London Dry Gin and Cornaro Pink Gin
- Whiskey: Real Crystal Whisky. Certified original Scotch whisky, bottled and labeled under the approval of the Scotch Whisky Association.
- Liqueur: Anadolu Banana Liqueur
- Zivania: Othello Zivania in original, Gold, and Cinnamon varieties
Sourcing all of these from one supplier saves time, cuts logistics costs, and makes building a product catalog straightforward.
Strong Production Facilities Behind Every Bottle
MEY İÇKİ does not just talk about quality. They have the infrastructure to back it up. Multiple factories, owned vineyards, and a dedicated export team all contribute to a supply chain that works reliably for international buyers.
They also offer a private label service for businesses that want to bring Turkish-made spirits to market under their own brand. From production to packaging, MEY İÇKİ handles the full process.
The Bigger Picture for Turkish Spirits
The global drinks market is always looking for something with a genuine story and proven quality. Turkish spirits offer both. They are not trying to copy what other countries do. They come with their own identity, their own ingredients, and their own long history of production.
As more buyers discover this, and as producers like MEY İÇKİ SANAYI LIMITED continue to grow their export reach, Turkish spirits are only going to become more visible on the world stage.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- What is the famous spirit in Turkey?
Rakı is the most famous spirit in Turkey. It is an anise-flavored drink that turns milky white when mixed with water or ice, which is why locals call it “lion’s milk.” It has been part of Turkish culture for centuries and is traditionally enjoyed at the table with food and company. Beyond Rakı, Turkey also produces zivania, vodka, gin, whiskey, and liqueurs.
- Is raki 100% alcohol?
No, Rakı is not 100% alcohol. It typically contains around 40% to 50% alcohol by volume, similar to vodka or gin. It is distilled from grapes or raisins and flavored with aniseed. Most people drink it diluted with cold water or served over ice.
- How are Turkish spirits made?
Turkish spirits are made using local raw materials, mainly grapes and grain. Rakı is distilled from grape-based alcohol and redistilled with aniseed for its signature flavor, while zivania is made from grape pomace.
- Which companies are driving this global growth?
MEY İÇKİ SANAYI LIMITED is one of the most established names driving the global growth of Turkish spirits. Founded in 1975, they produce rakı, vodka, gin, whiskey, liqueur, and zivania from their factories in Manisa and Edirne, Turkey.
They serve international buyers through a dedicated export department and also offer private label production for businesses. Their long track record and wide product range make them a key player in this space.
- Are there other Turkish spirits besides Rakı?
Yes, Turkey produces a strong variety of spirits beyond rakı. MEY İÇKİ SANAYI LIMITED alone covers zivania, vodka, gin, whiskey, and liqueur under brands like Cornaro, Othello, Anadolu, and Real Crystal.
Conclusion
Turkish spirits are growing worldwide for good reason. The quality is real, the history is deep, and producers are now properly equipped to serve international markets.
MEY İÇKİ SANAYI LIMITED brings together close to five decades of experience, owns vineyards, multiple production facilities, and a wide product range that covers everything from rakı to whiskey.
For importers, distributors, and wholesale buyers looking for a reliable Turkish spirits supplier, MEY İÇKİ is worth reaching out to. Contact their export team at export@meyicki.com or visit meyicki.com for the full product range.
