Izmir companies exporting cafe-restaurant furniture to Saudi Arabia: OEM production opportunities

Izmir companies exporting cafe and restaurant furniture to Saudi Arabia have seized a significant market opportunity in recent years, particularly due to the growth in tourism, gastronomy, and urban living. Izmir-based manufacturers are exporting both directly and through local partners to capitalize on this opportunity. Table and chair sets, bar sets, banquette seating, outdoor furniture, and fast food sets are particularly in demand. Izmir's design approach, production quality, and export experience provide these companies with a significant advantage. Among the leading Izmir exporting companies, Restoflex, Cafemob, Urban Design, Taste Furniture, and Aegean Seating stand out. These companies primarily supply Turkish restaurants, cafe chains, boutique cafes, and fast food outlets in Saudi Arabia's major cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Neom, and Qiddiya. Restoflex specializes in banquette seating and sells these products both directly and through local distributors. Cafemob specializes in modular systems and exports these systems on a project-by-project basis. Urban Design is known for its modern and minimalist designs. Taste Furniture offers OEM production, making custom products for Saudi brands. Aegean Seating specializes in outdoor solutions. Their biggest advantage is their OEM production capabilities. Saudi brands or local restaurant chains submit their own designs, and Izmir manufacturers produce according to these designs. During this process, the customer's logo, packaging design, color palette, and fabric selection are entirely tailored to the customer's wishes. OEM production allows Saudi businesspeople to create their own brands and benefit from Turkish quality. This production model also offers flexibility, allowing for production in small batches. Some companies can handle orders as small as 50 units. Products are generally made with a metal frame, HR foam, and microfiber fabric. Metal legs provide durability, while HR foam provides long-lasting seating comfort. Microfiber fabric is preferred in restaurants because it is easy to clean, hygienic, and impact-resistant. Aluminum frames and textilene fabric are used for outdoor products. All products are shipped flat-packed, reducing logistics costs by 40 to 50 percent. Pricing strategies vary depending on the size of the project, customer type, and product quality. Significant discounts are often offered for bulk purchases. For example, a 20 to 30 percent discount is offered when purchasing 100 chairs. Some companies also offer special campaigns on first orders. Maritime transport is preferred for the logistics process. Required documents for export include a certificate of origin, a health report, Arabic labeling, and a customs declaration. Additionally, some projects require a BS 5852 fireproofing test and an OEKO-TEX fabric certificate. In terms of consumer preferences, Saudi customers particularly value durability, modern design, easy cleaning, and the ability to establish a brand identity. Color preferences include dark gray, beige, black, and burgundy. Application areas include Turkish restaurants, cafe chains, boutique cafes, fast food outlets, and hotel lobbies. For manufacturers wishing to export, offering OEM production, collaborating with local distributors, and using flat-pack packaging offers significant advantages. Izmir's design approach and production quality provide a strong foundation for establishing a permanent position in this market.