Hidayet Kadirogluis the general manager at Elvan

The Turkish confectionery Elvan Food Ind. Co. initially started out as a small, modest pastry shop in a home country that was just 29 years old.

Now, 60 years later, it is the third biggest confectionery export in Turkey, and its leaders aim to become one of the top 100 confectionery companies in the world. Citing its recent $100 million turnover as proof that Elvan has enjoyed financial success despite the recent economic crisis, the goal doesn’t seem far out of reach.

“A businessman can not halt, halted businessmen cannot exist,” says Mustafa Kadiroğlu, board chairman at Elvan.

Founded in 1952 in the Turkish Republic — which will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2023 — the company produces chocolates, wafers, cakes, and gummy and jelly candies.

Based in Yenibosna, Istanbul, Elvan operates six facilities in Turkey and one abroad, employing about 1,500 people in its Turkish facilities and exporting its products to more than 100 countries in five continents.

Happy 60th, Elvan!