Kurdistan-Made Goods Gain Popularity in UK
What began as a niche market catering to Kurds living in the UK has now expanded, demonstrating the appeal of Kurdish agricultural and culinary products on a broader scale.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The export of local products from the Kurdistan Region to Britain continues to grow, with increasing demand not only from the Kurdish diaspora but also from British citizens and other international consumers.
What began as a niche market catering to Kurds living in the UK has now expanded, demonstrating the appeal of Kurdish agricultural and culinary products on a broader scale.
Rizgar Akreyi, a merchant who has been exporting products from the Kurdistan Region to Britain for the past five years, told Kurdistan24 correspondent Dilovan Imadeddin that demand has significantly increased over time.
"Initially, we had problems marketing local products from the Kurdistan Region because only Kurds living here would buy them. However, now British citizens and people from other countries are also buying them, and there is high demand," he explained.
Among the top exports are sumac, rice, and tahini—key ingredients in Middle Eastern cuisine. Akreyi noted that Kurdish sumac, in particular, has been widely embraced, with several British restaurants specifically requesting it for their dishes.
The growing market for these products indicates an evolving appreciation for Kurdish flavors within the broader UK food industry.
"We are now importing several types of products from the Kurdistan Region to Britain, especially sumac, rice, and tahini, and marketing them here. There is high demand for Kurdish sumac, and several British restaurants specifically request it," Akreyi stated.
The merchant emphasized that all exported products maintain their Kurdish identity, with labels and branding that highlight their origins. A notable example is "Kaka" chips, a type of Kurdish snack that has gained popularity in the UK market.
The expansion of Kurdish product exports to Britain is a promising development for the Kurdistan Region’s agricultural and food production sectors. It not only opens up economic opportunities for local farmers and producers but also strengthens cultural ties between Kurdistan and the Kurdish diaspora abroad.
Akreyi further indicated that there are ongoing plans to introduce more Kurdish products to British consumers, reflecting the sustained interest and potential for growth in this market.
With the continued success of these exports, Kurdish products are carving out a place in the UK’s diverse food market, demonstrating the rich flavors and culinary traditions of the Kurdistan Region to a wider audience. As demand grows, Kurdish merchants are optimistic about further expanding their reach and promoting their homeland’s unique offerings to global consumers.
Kurdistan24 correspondent Dilovan Imadeddin contributed to this report.
