Izmir manufacturers exporting cafe furniture to Tunisia: Coffeehouse culture

Izmir, a city located on Turkey's southern Aegean coast, has a long history of trade and production. Many companies producing high-quality furniture for cafes, restaurants, and commercial spaces operate in the city. In recent years, Tunisia has become a prominent export market for these manufacturers. Tunisia's rich coffeehouse culture and traditional coffee-drinking habits, in particular, have created a high demand for cafe furniture from Izmir. Coffeehouse Culture in Tunisia: In Tunisia, coffee is not just a beverage but a cultural ritual central to social life. Coffeehouses (Tunisian: Café or Maqha) are communal spaces where men, in particular, meet, chat, play chess, and discuss current events. These spaces generally have a simple yet welcoming atmosphere. Wooden furniture, low tables, cushioned armchairs, or traditional chairs are common. A warm and inviting interior design that is compatible with the local architecture is valued. In recent years, especially with the increasing urbanization of the young population, modern cafes have also gained popularity, but traditional coffeehouses are still widely preferred. This has increased the demand for both traditional and modern furniture. The Contribution of Izmir Manufacturers to Tunisia: Manufacturers in Izmir have entered the Tunisian market by developing aesthetically pleasing and durable cafe furniture appropriate to this cultural landscape. Companies in regions such as Bornova, Menemen, Karabağlar, and Narlıdere, in particular, are attracting the attention of Tunisian businesses with both traditional and modern designs. The main products Izmir exports to Tunisia include: Wooden table and chair sets, Low coffee tables (suitable for traditional spaces), Cushion-backed corner seating, Modern iron-wood combination cafe furniture, Weather-resistant products for outdoor (terrace) use. These products can be customized to suit both traditional Tunisian coffeehouses and new-generation cafes. Cultural Adaptation and Design Advantage: Izmir manufacturers distinguish themselves not only with quality but also by creating designs sensitive to Tunisian culture. For example: Warm tones like light brown, beige, and orange are preferred. Hand-embroidered details, geometric motifs, and coverings that suit Middle Eastern aesthetics are added. Chair heights and table sizes can be adjusted according to Tunisians' seating habits. In addition, some companies offer custom logo-printed backrests or color combinations that match the space's theme for Tunisian customers. Export Process and Sourcing Exports from Izmir to Tunisia generally occur as follows: Products are sold through the companies' own export departments or local distributors. Orders are generally shipped by sea from the ports of Mersin or Izmir to the main ports of Tunisia (especially the Port of Tunis or the Port of Sousse). Transportation times vary between 8 and 12 days on average. Payment is usually made by L/C (letter of credit) or payment in advance. Success Examples ArtLife Furniture (Menemen, Izmir): In 2022, Sousse, Tunisia The company supplied 200 furniture sets for a chain coffeehouse in the city. The products were designed to be compatible with traditional Tunisian architecture. Möven Mobilya (Bornova): Exports to local cafes, in addition to the Turkish cultural center and Turkish restaurants in Tunisia. Elit Kafe Mobilya (Karabağlar): Connects directly with Tunisian businesses through social media and digital marketing, sending products to small and medium-sized cafes. Supporting Organizations: Manufacturers in Izmir benefit from the support of the following institutions during the export process: DEİK Mediterranean and Africa Working Groups: Provides business connections for the Tunisian market. TİGEM (Turkish Exporters' Assembly): Organizes market reports, fair participation, and training. İzmir Chamber of Commerce (İZTO): Provides a company database, export consultancy, and trade matching services. KOSGEB: Provides logistics, marketing, and certification support to small producers. Conclusion: Tunisia's rich coffeehouse culture creates a significant export opportunity for cafe furniture manufacturers in Izmir. Izmir companies not only produce high-quality products but also establish lasting business relationships by offering products customized to the Tunisian cultural landscape. This process not only enhances the international prestige of the Turkish furniture sector but also contributes to the development of economic collaborations through cultural ties. Such culturally-based exports are expected to increase even further in the future.