In our interview with Cüneyt Ocak, General Manager of Bellona, one of Türkiye’s long-established furniture brands, we discussed the brand’s unique design approach, sustainability vision, and recent developments in the Turkish furniture sector. Ocak stated that by combining quality with originality, they have enhanced their global competitive strength, saying, “Turkish furniture is not only aesthetically appealing but also holds a strong position in the global market in terms of functionality and durability. At Bellona, we blend the cultural richness and historical heritage of our region with modern lines in our designs.”

Bellona, one of Türkiye’s most established furniture manufacturers, is increasing its global competitiveness by combining quality with originality. The brand, which attracts attention in the international market with its modern designs featuring oriental influences, aims to promote a sustainable lifestyle with its renewable energy investments and zero waste targets.

  • How did the first half of 2025 go? What are your expectations for the second half?

Despite all the global uncertainties, the first six months of 2025 were extremely productive for Bellona. We observed significant activity in strategic markets such as the US and Iraq. The vitality in these regions once again demonstrated the global strength of our brand and the competitiveness of our products. However, as we enter the second half of the year, geopolitical tensions on a global scale, uncertainties in trade tariffs, central banks’ continued tight monetary policies, and a decline in consumer demand are forcing us to manage sector dynamics with greater caution. We plan to move forward with more controlled and flexible strategies in the remaining part of the year.

“New target markets will contribute significantly to our branding process”
  • Which are the most important export markets for the Turkish furniture industry? Which new countries do you think could be added to these markets during the rest of the year?

The Turkish furniture industry has had a strong presence in European countries and the US, particularly in the Middle East, for many years. These three main regions are currently the geographical areas with the highest export volumes for the industry. By 2025, however, global conditions are encouraging us to look toward more distant markets that we have not yet sufficiently explored. Turkish furniture has significant global potential. New target markets will not only increase export volumes but also make important contributions to our branding process.

  • Which countries are the most important competitors of the Turkish furniture industry?

It is clear that China is the biggest competitor in global furniture production. With its high production capacity, aggressive pricing policies, and extensive distribution network, China is a serious competitor for all players in the sector. In the European market in particular, we are competing with countries such as Romania and Poland in terms of quality-price balance and design strength. The standout aspects of the Turkish furniture sector are its high production quality, unique designs, and flexible production capabilities.

“Our goal is to promote a sustainable lifestyle”
  • Sustainability has become part of global trends. What roadmap do you plan to chart in this area for the remainder of 2025?

Sustainability is a strategic area that Bellona prioritizes as much as its growth and profitability goals. With our extensive supply chain and business model, we focus not only on economic value but also on creating environmental and social value. In 2024, we implemented energy-efficient technologies to achieve significant environmental improvements in production. In 2025, our priorities include increasing the use of renewable energy, raising the proportion of recycled materials, and making steady progress toward our zero-waste target. In this regard, we completed the first phase of our solar energy investments launched in 2023 in the same year, and the second phase in 2024. By 2025, we have also implemented our field solar energy projects. Our goal is not only to offer sustainable products but also to promote a sustainable lifestyle.

  • How do you evaluate Turkish woodworking machines? What percentage of your production is carried out using domestic machines?

Turkish woodworking machines have shown significant development in recent years. We closely follow developments in the sector and evaluate opportunities for cooperation with domestic manufacturers in order to increase the percentage of domestic machines used in our production.

“Offering quality and originality together also increases our competitive strength”
  • What design and style features do you think make the Turkish furniture industry stand out on the international stage?

Turkish furniture has a strong position in the global market not only in terms of aesthetics, but also in terms of functionality and durability. In our designs, we combine the cultural richness and historical heritage of our geography with modern lines. Modern designs with oriental influences are particularly popular in international markets. This approach positions us not only as a product brand, but also as a lifestyle brand. Offering quality and originality together also increases our competitive strength.