The plant €90m ($119m), announced in 2011, will produce chocolate spread Nutella and chilled Kinder products.
Ferrero previously told this site that Turkey was a growing market with a very young population and added that the plant would bring it closer to key commodities for its products.
Closer to hazelnut supply
Turkey is the world’s largest exporter of hazelnuts, which Ferrero uses in its Rocher and Nutella products.
Turkey’s Deputy Prime Minister, Bulent Arinc, attended the opening ceremony this week and said that he expected Ferrero to up its demand for Turkish hazelnuts.
Will eventual supply export markets
Ferrero's plant will have an annual production capacity of 30,000 to 50,000 metric tons and will eventually supply export markets. Overseas markets are likely to include countries in North Africa and the Middle East.
Ferrero will employ 200 new staff to manage the 36-acre facility.
Turkish confectionery market
Other industry players have spotted the potential in Turkey.
Barry Callebaut will soon open a $16m chocolate plant in Eskisehir, Central Anatolia, which will be operational at the end of fall 2013.
The Turkish chocolate market was valued at $1.3bnin 2011 having grown around 30% since 2007, according to figures from market analysts Euromonitor International.
Godiva chocolate brand owner Yildiz Holding has 45 factories in Turkey and is the market-leading confectioner though its Ülker business.