Why Turkish Food Producers Google the Terms 'Food Bottling', 'Private Label Food Packaging' and 'FDA Registration'

Turkish food producers, especially export-oriented companies, have recently been searching for English terms such as "food bottling", "food packing" and "private label food packaging" on Google. But what is the reason for this search? In this article, we will examine why Turkish producers are searching for these terms in English, what goals lie behind them, and which product groups and problem areas stand out the most. We will also discuss the needs that these companies face in terms of FDA compliance, labeling requirements, logistics and private label production. In this way, we aim to put forward a content that will guide manufacturers who want to open up to the US market.

Motivation to Search English Terms

First, Turkish producers tend to search for information in English because the markets they are targeting are global in scale and especially the US market. Searching in English facilitates direct access to international sources and foreign regulations. For example, a company thinking of selling abroad through Amazon or someone who wants to establish a company abroad learns and researches terms in English because the platform is in English. Since the content related to sales and logistics processes on Amazon is usually in English, it makes sense to search with these terms. As a matter of fact, the strict rules for selling food on Amazon also include the requirements of US agencies such as the FDA. Therefore, a producer who wants to learn about these requirements tries to find the right information by searching for English phrases such as "FDA food labeling requirements".

Another reason is that some technical terms do not have a Turkish equivalent or are used in English in the sector. The terms "food bottling" or "food packing" are frequently used in international literature, especially in the food processing and packaging sector. Producers in Turkey can also search using these English terms, for example when looking for a new bottling machine or ways to package their products to extend their shelf life. As a result, searching in English gives companies access to a richer pool of content and allows them to keep up with global practices.

Also click here to readour privatelabel guide.

Targeting the American Market and Selling on Amazon

The ultimate goal of many Turkish food producers is to offer their products to the United States and gain a share of this huge market. In recent years, the US has become increasingly important for Turkish food exporters. In fact, between 2019 and 2023, Turkey's food exports to the US increased by more than 100%, from $708 million to $1 billion 712 million. The Turkish food sector is not satisfied with this momentum and has set an annual export target of 5 billion dollars to the US. In order to reach this big target, companies are participating in food fairs organized in the US, trying to promote their products and closely examining the conditions of the American market.

Between 2019 and 2023, Turkey's food exports to the US increased by more than 100%, from $708 million to $1.712 billion. Turkish food exporters took their success even further and set an export target of 5 billion dollars to the US. In this context, many products such as dried nuts, dried fruits, seafood, legumes, olives, olive oil, dried tomatoes, spices, herbal tea and coffee were introduced as Turkish flavors at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York.

Amazon is one of the first things that comes to mind when it comes to the US market. Amazon has become a popular sales channel among Turkish producers as it offers the opportunity to reach millions of customers in the US. By 2025, the global online food retail market is expected to exceed 100 billion dollars and Amazon is the leader in this field. Amazon's services such as Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) provide logistical convenience, while its extensive customer network increases sales potential. However, in order to sell food on Amazon, one must first fulfill the approval process and requirements set by Amazon. For example, those who want to sell food in the US are expected to prepare documents such as FDA and USDA certificates, product content and nutritional value labels, expiration dates and packaging information. This means that Turkish producers need detailed information on FDA, labeling and packaging. As a result, the goal of entering the US market and the desire to sell on Amazon pushes producers to do deep research in English terms.

Which Product Groups Are Interested in These Terms?

Turkish companies looking for "food bottling/packing" and "private label packaging" in English are generally companies that produce food products and plan to package and export them. Especially the following product groups stand out:

• Honey: Turkey is a major player in world honey production and exports. In the first 9 months of 2024, 5,913 tons of honey were exported to 49 countries, mainly the US, Germany and Canada, generating $22.9 million in revenues, with the US being the largest buyer (about $9.3 million). Honey producers aim to send their products to the US by bottling them in glass jars and packaging them appropriately. This is where a leak-proof lid, strong packaging and accurate labeling become critical. For example, sealed lids and leak-proof packaging materials should be used to prevent the honey jars from leaking during transportation. In addition, honey labels should clearly indicate the net weight of the product (in both grams and ounces), country of origin and producer information. Because honey is a natural product, there is generally no additional prohibition in the US, but warnings such as not to be given to children under 1 year of age can appear on consumer labels in the US market. Honey producers may be looking for the term "food bottling", perhaps to learn about the machinery or techniques needed to properly bottle and seal food products. At the same time, searches for "private label food packaging" could be made to fulfill requests for private label packaging for a foreign distributor who wants to sell Turkish honey under its own brand.

• Olive Oil: Olive oil has an important place among Turkey's export products. In order to enter large markets such as the US, FDA registration is mandatory for this product as well. In fact, before importing olive oil into the US, pre-notification to the FDA is required for each batch of goods. When olive oil producers are looking for "food packaging" they are probably aiming for this: To safely package their product in glass bottles or cans, seal them and label them according to U.S. standards. A U.S.-regulated olive oil label should include details such as an accurate and complete ingredient statement, producer or distributor information, net weight (in both metric and imperial units, such as 500 ml/16.9 fl oz ), a table of nutritional values, and the product name. In addition, if cholesterol or health claims are to be made, it is important to pay close attention to FDA guidelines; false health claims can lead to the product being classified as a "drug" and rejected. Since olive oil is usually packaged in glass bottles, protective packaging against breakage is of great importance. For this reason, producers should take precautions such as wrapping the bottles with bubble wrap and using a separator in the parcel. As for the search for "private label packaging", many Turkish olive oil companies are supplying their own branded products to market brands or private customers abroad. As part of this private label production, it may be necessary to print labels bearing the customer's logo and sometimes even provide different types of bottles or cans. As a matter of fact, some of our well-established olive oil producers have already started the private label process with Packaging and Branding: Distribution and Logistics with customized packaging and branding details of your products : We offer an integrated service in the form of a reliable logistics network for the distribution of your products all over the world.

• Jams, Sauces and Similar Processed Foods: Processed food products such as jams, marmalades, molasses, pickles and sauces are also products that can find a niche in the US market. Many of these products are sold in glass jars or cans. A jam producer searching for the term "food bottling" is likely to be looking for information on pasteurization of the jam , vacuuming the jar and using the correct lid. For exports to the US, the FDA also has specific safety standards for this type of high-acid food. On the label side, information such as the list of ingredients, sugar content, net quantity and manufacturer's address should be written in English on the jam jar. A table of nutritional values is also required to be provided to consumers in the US (e.g. how many grams of sugar per 100 grams). Jam and sauce producers also have to pay attention to shelf life; platforms such as Amazon require that the product's expiration date is clearly listed on the label and that there is enough shelf life left when it is shipped. Companies in this sector looking for "private label food packaging" are looking for opportunities to produce private label products for distributors who want to sell their own brand of jam abroad. This means tailoring the design to the customer, perhaps using a different jar shape or packaging design.

• Nuts and Dried Fruits: Products such as hazelnuts, pistachios, dried figs, dried apricots, raisins are both traditional export items for Turkey and in demand in the US. The peculiarity of these products is that they can usually be sold in bulk but require special packaging for retail. When searching for "food packaging", producers may be looking for techniques such as vacuum packaging, atmosphere controlled packaging (e.g. nitrogen packaging for longer shelf life ). As a matter of fact, even countries such as Vietnam, which exports dried fruits, have zipper bags, nitrogen-cleaned foil bags, and bags with a visible window on the inside among their packaging solutions for the global market. Similarly, Turkish dried fruit and nut producers are also looking for packaging that will preserve the freshness of their products, prevent insect infestation and make them easy to use after the package is opened. For example, they are adopting zip-lock bags or a secondary outer box to protect dried nuts. The durability of the packaging is important when traveling to the US, because if the package ruptures during long transportation, the product can be wasted. In terms of labeling, allergen warnings are particularly important. In the US, nuts such as peanuts, walnuts and almonds are classified as major allergens and labeled as "Allergen: Tree Nuts" on the packaging. In this sector, the search for "private label" is very common, as big supermarket chains or brands want to sell Turkish nuts in their own packages. Turkish companies offer flexible production to meet this demand. For example, if a dried nuts producer wants to offer a private label service, they can receive logo and design files from the customer and produce printed packaging; usually a minimum order quantity of 1000-2000 packs per product is required. There may also be details such as providing the design in AI/PDF format and setup fees for new packaging molds. This information explains why manufacturers search for "private label food packaging" and research the topic in depth.
• Tea and Spices: Turkish tea, herbal teas and spices are also products of interest in the US ethnic food market and gourmet segment. Turkish herbal teas and spices are even featured in the Aegean Exporters' Associations' "Turkish Tastes" promotions. Producers wishing to send these products to the US may face some challenges in terms of packaging and labeling. For example, if herbal tea is sold with a health claim (e.g. "relaxes, helps sleep well"), it may fall under the US dietary supplement legislation and be subject to FDA inspection. Most manufacturers therefore take care to present the product as a food, avoiding health claims, and label accordingly. A search for "food packing" can direct tea and spice companies to the right type of packaging: Aluminum foil pouches that preserve aroma, multi-layer packaging that prevents moisture absorption, or small cans. Glass jars are also used for spices, so as with jam, lid security and sealing are important. Labels should include the product name, net quantity (e.g. 100g / 3.5oz), country of origin (Turkey), importer information (distributor in the US) and recommendations for use, if applicable. Under private label, for example, if an American distributor wants to sell Turkish spices under its own brand name, the Turkish producer can provide the product with a private label and perhaps a different box design. This requires producers to research "private label packaging" trends and examples.
  

In addition to the above, various processed food products such as Turkish coffee, cocoa products, ready-to-eat foods and sauces are also on a similar quest. The common denominator is that they need to rethink the packaging and labeling of their products in order to enter the international market. Let's take a closer look at what these companies need most.

FDA Compliant Production and Label Design

One of the most critical issues for any manufacturer looking to enter the US food market is FDA compliance and accurate labeling. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires all food, beverages, supplements and pharmaceuticals entering the US to undergo certain registration and notification processes. For Turkish producers, this means registering their facilities with the FDA as foreign food facilities and appointing a US Agent. For example, for olive oil facilities, FDA registration is mandatory and must be renewed periodically; if the company is located outside the US, it is necessary to have an agent residing in the US This agent manages the communication between the FDA and the company and facilitates possible inspections. In addition, prior notification must be sent by email to the FDA system before the food product is shipped to the US; otherwise, the product may get stuck at customs All of these are complex procedures that producers may find difficult when trying to do it alone, and it is often beneficial to seek advice.

On the labeling side, the US food labeling regulations (21 CFR Part 101) are very detailed. Non-compliant labeling can prevent your product from being sold on the shelves and can even lead to legal sanctions in case of misrepresentations. In general terms, here is the basic information that must be included in a compliant food label for the US market;

• Product name (generic name of the food, such as "Extra Virgin Olive Oil" or "Flower Honey"),
• List of ingredients (in order of weight, with ingredient and allergen declarations),
• Net quantity (in both metric and US units, for example "Net Wt. 500g (1.1 lb)" or "500 ml (16.9 fl oz)" for liquids),
• Nutrition Facts panel with serving size, calories, fat, carbohydrates, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins/minerals - in the format specified by the FDA,
• Manufacturer/Packer/Distributor name and address (name, city and country of the company marketing or importing in the U.S.; for foreign manufacturers, country of origin must also be indicated),
• Country of origin (e.g. "Product of Turkey").

The placement of this information on the label is also subject to rules. The FDA expects at least the product name and net weight to appear on the front of the label (Primary Display Panel), with the nutrition facts, ingredients and company information usually appearing together on the back (Information Panel). Even details such as the net weight statement should be written at the bottom of the front of the label, in specific font sizes and spacing are defined in the legislation. In summary, label design is not only a visual exercise but also a legal compliance exercise.

Turkish producers often search for "FDA food label requirements" or "US nutrition facts label" in English to learn and implement these requirements. For example, they may find a blog post or a guide that states "The labeling of food products to be exported to the US must include an accurate and complete statement of ingredients, manufacturer information, net weight, nutritional values and product name". As a matter of fact, consulting companies also emphasize these points in their articles. At the heart of this quest is the concern to ensure the shelf safety of the product and the correct presentation of the information it provides to the consumer. Mislabeling puts not only the consumer at risk, but also the manufacturer's reputation in the US. Platforms such as Amazon also specifically require English labeling: Federal and state laws require that all products must be labeled in English and that the product must be securely packaged and sealed.

In addition, certification issues are also on the radar of producers. For example, USDA Organic certification may be important if they are going to sell organic products, USDA approvals for meat products, and Halal certification if they are going to address a halal market. Halal or Kosher certificates are not a legal requirement for sending food to the US, but they may be preferred by certain consumer segments in the market. Therefore, producers also prepare documents such as ISO 22000, HACCP, FDA registration certificate, organic certificate for their products. Such documents may also be requested in the Amazon application. For example, it is known that Amazon may request a Food Production Permit, product label samples, and FDA registration, if necessary, from the producer when obtaining food sales approval.

Considerations in Logistics and Shipping Processes

Logistics planning is also a big part of the background when preparing products for the US market. Manufacturers think of "food packing" not only in terms of retail packaging, but also in terms of packaging for transportation. No matter how good the product is, if it is damaged or spoiled in transit due to improper packaging, your efforts can be wasted.

Shipping Method: Air cargo or courier (such as DHL, FedEx ) is usually used for small, fast shipments. In this case, the robustness of the packaging is critical, because in air cargo, packages are handled frequently and must be resistant to drops. For larger volumes of exports, sea containers are preferred, which means the products are stacked and palletized in containers and exposed to road conditions for long periods of time. As there can be temperature and humidity variations on the sea route, it may be necessary to use in-container temperature control (e.g. refrigerated containers) or dehumidifier packs if the product is prone to fogging, melting or spoilage.

Fulfillment by Amazon FBA: For manufacturers selling on Amazon, the logistics process works a little differently. They need to ship products to Amazon's warehouses, not directly to customers. Amazon's warehouses also require certain standards when accepting goods: each product unit must have a scannable UPC/GTIN barcode, each parcel must have Amazon's shipping label, and palletized shipments must follow Amazon's pallet rules. Another important point is that for products with a shelf life (expiration date), Amazon requires products with at least a certain amount of shelf life left (usually 3-6 months) when entering the warehouse. As a policy, Amazon requires all food products with an expiration date to have this date permanently printed on the packaging and visible to the warehouse. For example, jars or packages of honey, jam, nuts, etc. must have the expiration date printed in day/month/year format; it is preferable to have it printed directly on the packaging rather than on a stick-on label.

Safe Packaging: Let's explain with a few examples the precautions that producers should take to prevent damage to the product in logistics: For glass packaged products (honey, olive oil, pickles, etc.), it is standard practice to wrap each unit in bubble wrap and then stack them in boxes. To prevent the products from bumping into each other in the parcel, cardboard partitions are placed in between or the gaps are filled with materials such as foam or airbags. For liquid contents, placing each jar in a separate leak-proof bag provides extra security in case of leakage (US customs sometimes recommends this so that leakage does not contaminate other parcels). If melting foods such as chocolate and Turkish delight are to be shipped in summer, it may be necessary to use a cold chain or insulated boxes and dry ice packs. For products such as nuts, using vacuum packs + oxygen absorbers extends shelf life and reduces the risk of pests. For all food products, the package must be sealed (unopened), without any holes or tears, so that there is no risk of contamination.

Customs and Documentation: Sending food to the US is not only subject to regulations on the US side, but also to customs procedures upon departure from Turkey and entry into the US. Exporters should prepare standard export documents (invoice, packing list, bill of lading, etc.) as well as product-specific certificates. For example, for honey exports, an Analysis Report approved by the Ministry of Agriculture is required (this report shows that there are no residues, antibiotics, etc. in the bee's honey). For dried fruit, a fumigation certificate or phytosanitary certificate may be required (certifying that the product is pest-free and suitable for plant health). A label sample is also a document that can be attached to the customs declaration; US customs can inspect the product and check whether the label complies with the legislation. Under the FDA's pre-notification system mentioned above, for each shipment, the exporter reports information such as the product, number of parcels, gross weight, carrier company, etc. online and receives a pre-notification number. This number is written on the documents carrying the product so that US customs can see that the product has been approved by the FDA when receiving the product.

One of the common mistakes in the logistics process can be the incompatibility of the packaging language. Some sellers, especially those selling on Amazon, may send the Turkish version of the product in Turkey with Turkish packaging and experience problems. If the packaging of a product listed on Amazon USA is in English, the consumer wants to see the same language when they receive the package. Otherwise, they may complain that "I received a different product". As a matter of fact, those who supply products from Turkey and sell them on Amazon face the warning that the packaging in the US is in English, while yours may be in Turkish; even if the packaging is in English, small visual differences can lead to customer complaints. In this case, the customer makes a return, the seller incurs losses and the Amazon account can be negatively affected. Therefore, exporting manufacturers should make sure that the label is 100% in the target language and that the visuals are as expected if they are going to send the product in its final package. If necessary, an expert translation and design support should be obtained at this stage to prepare an English version of the existing Turkish label, and a label review should be conducted to check compliance with FDA rules.

Consultancy and Service Needs: How can producers get support?

In the light of the above information, it can be seen that the process of opening up to the US market brings many new issues that a food producer must overcome on its own. Export legislation, FDA registration, label design, logistics organization, Amazon management, etc. require a wide range of knowledge and skills. At this point, these companies often need external support and consultancy.

1. E-export and Market Consultancy: Producers who want to export food to the US can get expert support in market research, competitor analysis and pricing. For example, Export Partners Turkey, as an approved service provider of Amazon, develops e-commerce strategies for Turkish brands in the US and provides Amazon consultancy services on the right category selection and product listing. Such consultants help the manufacturer determine the most appropriate market entry method (B2B distribution, Amazon/B2C sales, sales through its own website) according to its product and target.

2. FDA and Compliance Consultancy: FDA registration and labeling regulations are highly technical issues. For this reason, companies seek services from consulting companies specialized in FDA. These services generally include steps such as registering the facility with the FDA, providing US representation services, and reviewing product labeling according to FDA guidelines. For example, a consultant can take a company's production information and register it with the FDA to obtain an FDA registration number, which is required for export. There are also professionals who review your label draft and suggest corrections, such as "this information is missing, this phrase is incorrect". In some cases, laboratory analysis of the product (e.g. nutritional values) may also be required, which requires collaboration with food laboratories. Since it would take time to learn all these processes on your own, companies prefer to leave it to the professionals.

3. Private Label and B2B Connections: A company that wants to make private label production can get consultancy on finding customers from abroad and preparing the packaging they want. In this context, there are export consultants that provide support on issues such as participating in international fairs, finding buyers, and preparing price offers. In addition, the contract and quality assurance processes are also critical; for example, the foreign buyer may say "my brand will be on the product label, but you must also have FDA registration", or may give technical specifications such as "the packaging material should be like this". Turkish producers sometimes need translation and technical consultancy to understand and implement these requests correctly. For example, language localization (translating the label into the local language) and adding barcodes are standard requirements in private label business. 

4. Logistics and Warehousing Services: A reliable logistics partner is needed to ship the product to the US. Manufacturers turn to logistics companies to get freight offers, choose the right mode of transportation (air vs. sea), and handle customs procedures without any problems. Here, issues such as cold chain, partial loading and storage may come to the fore. Those who will sell on Amazon should also have a US domestic logistics plan: They will either use Amazon FBA or make an agreement with a 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) warehouse and ship from there to the end customer. E-export-focused companies such as Export Partners support manufacturers in managing this process by bringing them together with partner warehouses and shipping companies. Especially in sending products to Amazon FBA, experience is required in creating a shipment plan, palletizing and labeling the products in the format requested by Amazon; consultancy firms work with the manufacturer's team in these steps and ensure error-free shipping.

5. Branding and Promotion Support: Finally, let's say your product is packaged and on its way; marketing support may also be needed to make it stand out on US shelves or Amazon searches. Although this is a step outside the scope of this blog, when we think holistically, it is obvious that manufacturers will need guidance on digital marketing, advertising, influencer collaborations, etc. Especially on Amazon, issues such as ad (PPC) management, product page optimization, and comment management may require professional support.

Conclusion: 

To summarize, it is no coincidence that food producers in Turkey search for English terms such as "food bottling", "food packing" and "private label food packaging"; these searches are a reflection of their efforts to expand into global markets, especially in the US. The challenges of entering the US market, such as FDA regulations, label renewal, logistics planning and selling on Amazon, push companies to conduct deep research. From honey to olive oil, nuts to tea, many industry players are trying to figure out how best to package and present their products and deliver them to American customers.

Of course, there are also challenges in this process. Strict regulations, intense competition and cultural market differences require strategic thinking at every step. For example, for those who are just starting to sell on Amazon, even the fact that the packaging language is not in English can become a problem and lead to returns. Therefore, it is of great importance for businesses embarking on their export journey to receive the right guidance.

Turkish producers can move forward faster and more confidently if they seek expert support while putting into practice the information they find through English-language searches. Whether it's FDA registration and label approval, or opening a store on Amazon and arranging logistics, having a partner they can consult at every stage speeds up the process. This is where e-export consultants such as Export Partners Turkey come in and draw a roadmap for manufacturers. As Amazon's approved solution partner, such companies offer a wide range of support from account management to trademark registration, logistics to digital marketing. 

Remember, correct packaging and labeling is not only a legal obligation, but also a showcase for your brand. When customers abroad pick up your product, they receive a message of trust from the package to the label. Prepare now to deliver this message in the most effective and harmonious way. We hope that your research adventure, which starts with English terms, will be the first step to your international success. We are ready to be with you every step of the way with our knowledge.

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