About Us
A trade bridge built on trust.
Tarandir Group of Companies grew out of cross-border trade that began in northern Iraq in 1991. Today, eight Gaziantep-based companies operate in food, beverages, cleaning products, automotive, insurance and health tourism.
Our Story
In 1991, right after the first Gulf War, Nimet Tarandır traveled to the region and, together with Welid M. Salih, started a food trading business in Iraq. Because of the 42nd parallel, trade was only possible in northern Iraq at the time, and basic foodstuffs suited to local purchasing power were brought in through border trade.
As demand grew, the focus shifted to biscuits, cakes, chocolate, nuts, dairy products and fruit juice. Border trade, carried out under special permits from the Governorship of Şırnak, expanded through distribution in Erbil.
When the embargo was lifted in early 2001, an official export channel opened, and Nimet Tarandır founded Nur Gıda Dış Ticaret Ltd. Şti., completing the company's first official export. That same year, a meeting with Welid M. Salih and İrfan A. Ahmed marked a new era for the company, and the distribution partnership with Eti Gıda began.
By 2002, Eti had become a well-known and sought-after brand in Iraq, and talks began with new brands of the same quality. After the second Gulf operation in 2003, Iraq opened up to world markets as a whole; with its experience and brand partnerships, Nur Gıda became one of the companies shaping the market.
As the business, until then managed from Cizre, continued to grow, headquarters moved to Gaziantep in 2006. The company's own truck fleet, set up to solve its logistics needs, laid the foundation for today's distribution strength. The group has since expanded into new sectors with Nurlog, Ecrin Gıda, Tarandır Otomotiv, Kardan Su and Tarandır Health Tourism.
Milestones
From cross-border trade to an international group.
- 1991
First steps
After the Gulf War, Nimet Tarandır starts a food business through border trade in northern Iraq.
- 2001
Nur Gıda is founded
With the embargo lifted, Nur Gıda Dış Ticaret is established and makes its first official export; the Eti Gıda distributorship begins.
- 2002
Growing brands
Eti becomes a well-known, sought-after brand in Iraq; partnerships with new brands begin.
- 2003
Opening up to all of Iraq
As Iraq opens to world markets, distribution extends south and the company professionalizes.
- 2006
Headquarters in Gaziantep
Headquarters moves from Cizre to Gaziantep; the company sets up its own truck fleet.
- 2008
Nurlog
Nurlog starts operations in napkins, paper and detergent products.
- 2015
Tarandır Otomotiv
Authorized Renault and Dacia sales and service opens in Cizre.
- 2021
Top 500 Exporters
Nur Gıda ranks 315th in Türkiye's Top 500 Exporters list and 27th in its region.
- 2022
Kardan Su
Natural spring water and soft drink production starts in Menemen, İzmir.
- 2025
Health tourism
Tarandır Health Tourism receives its International Health Tourism Authorization Certificate from USHAŞ.
Our Goals
Our goals
To see ourselves as end consumers too, always bringing the highest-quality products to market, and to be a group that benefits both Türkiye and the countries we work in.
To build a competitive structure in the Iraqi market and be its most trusted and preferred company.
To keep growing as a group that leads and shapes the market, drawing on our experience and brand partnerships.
Interested in working with us?
Contact our group headquarters for distribution, export and partnership inquiries.