During the 36th edition of ColombiaModa, one of South America’s most influential fashion and textile exhibitions, Turkish textile manufacturer Akdem Tekstil marked its debut with strong interest from regional and international buyers.
Speaking to Kohan Textile Journal, Mr. Bilal Gürsoy, Export Manager at Akdem Tekstil, shared his positive impressions of the show and highlighted the potential that the Latin American market holds for Turkish textiles.
“This is our first participation in Medellín, and we are truly pleased with the experience,” Gürsoy said. “What impressed us the most is that visitors are not only from Colombia but also from neighboring countries such as Peru, Brazil, and even more distant markets. The level of interest exceeded our expectations, and it clearly shows that South America is a serious and exciting market for us.”
Turkish Textiles: A Mark of Quality
Gürsoy emphasized that Turkish textiles enjoy a strong reputation among buyers at the fair.
“When visitors hear that the products come from Turkey, their perception changes immediately. Turkish-made goods are associated with quality, and that creates a real advantage in building trust and business relationships,” he explained.
He added that ColombiaModa proved to be a platform where buyers actively sought out both knitted and woven fabrics, ranging from cotton-based items to polyester blends. “The market is open to everything—basic and innovative products alike. What matters is differentiation and innovation. Companies that invest in R&D, new fabrics, and fresh designs will continue to thrive.”
Embracing Change in a Competitive Industry
Reflecting on the challenges of today’s textile industry, Gürsoy stressed the importance of adaptability and continuous improvement:
“Basic products are produced everywhere in the world. The companies that survive are those that renew themselves, develop new products, and keep investing in innovation. That is also what will secure our position in this market.”
Looking to the Future in Latin America
Akdem Tekstil already exports to 38 countries worldwide, and ColombiaModa 2025 opened the door to expanding its reach in Latin America. Gürsoy underlined the fair’s importance for building bridges with regional buyers and discovering new opportunities:
“We knew South America had potential, but seeing the scale of demand firsthand has been eye-opening. For Turkish companies, this region represents a promising future, and we believe stronger participation in upcoming editions will bring even greater results.”
By Kohan Textile Journal Editorial Team
