With over a century of legacy in fabric innovation and sustainable textile production, İpeker, one of Türkiye’s most distinguished textile manufacturers, marked its debut participation at Colombiamoda 2025 with a strong message: Latin America is an essential alternative market in today’s global landscape.
In an exclusive interview with Kohan Textile Journal, Mr. Ömer Canbulat, Sales and Marketing Executive at İpeker, shared the company’s strategic goals, current global reach, and plans for expansion into Colombia and the broader Latin American region.
“Due to the global slowdown in Europe, we’ve been seeking new opportunities—and Colombia has emerged as a promising gateway,” said Canbulat.
Türkiye’s Only Cupro Fabric Producer
Founded over 100 years ago and currently managed by its 4th generation, İpeker is globally recognized as one of the largest producers of Cupro fabrics and the only certified Cupro fabric manufacturer in Türkiye. Their expertise extends beyond Cupro to include burnout fabrics, linen, viscose, polyester, and their blends — making İpeker a trusted source for both innovative and natural fabric collections.
“We have extensive experience and design capabilities, especially in burnout fabrics. That’s one of the pillars of our reputation,” Canbulat noted.
The company exports to 52 countries, including a robust presence in the U.S. market. With Colombiamoda 2025 as a launchpad, İpeker is now actively exploring Latin America as a strategic complement to its Western portfolio.
Latin America: A Market for Lightweight, Natural, and Printed Fabrics
Colombia’s climate and consumer preferences make it ideal for summer-weight fabrics such as linen blends and natural fibers. According to Canbulat, local buyers show strong interest in printed textiles and often seek to have their own designs produced — making custom printing services a key competitive advantage.
“They love natural textures and custom prints. This is a market that values design and expression,” he explained.
İpeker also noted that while Colombian buyers are still adapting to complex import procedures, working through agents and distributors is currently the most effective model for market entry. By establishing those local relationships, Turkish exporters can tap into not only Colombia, but surrounding buyers from Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, and Brazil who attend Colombian trade events.
Rebalancing After Europe
With economic pressure mounting in Europe and a decline in purchasing volumes, Turkish textile firms like İpeker are focusing on regions where fashion consumption remains a priority.
“Unlike European buyers who may cut spending on clothing, Latin American consumers maintain a strong culture of dressing well. That makes this market highly relevant,” Canbulat emphasized.
Colombia’s reputation as a fashion-forward country — home to international design figures such as Johanna Ortiz — reinforces its position as a rising sourcing hub in the Americas.
📽️ Watch the full video interview with Mr. Ömer Canbulat on Kohan Textile Journal YOUTUBE Channel
