Group Sagun, one of the first brands that comes to mind when talking about fish exports in Turkey, is today a strong player in the international market. However, behind this major success lies years of effort, a powerful vision, and experience passed down through generations. At the center of this story stands Oğulcan Kemal Sagun, Vice Chairman of the Board of Group Sagun.

Appearing as a guest on Storybox, Oğulcan Sagun recounts both the founding story of the company and the journey that brought it to where it is today, in a clear and inspiring way.

A Journey That Began in the 1970s: The Gateway to Europe Through Frog Legs

The foundations of Group Sagun were laid when Oğulcan Sagun’s grandfather began exporting frog legs to France and Switzerland in the 1970s. At that time, this product was not widely known in Turkey, yet it saw significant demand in Europe and became the family’s first commercial breakthrough.

This small beginning gradually transformed into a major vision.

An Expanding Business Model Under Tuncay Sagun

The second generation—Tuncay Sagun—who carried the foundations laid by the founding generation even further, strengthened the company’s growth momentum by placing the fishing industry into a more professional structure.

During Mr. Tuncay’s era:

• Investments were made in the fishing industry
• The main focus of the business model became ‘sustainable export.
• International connections were strengthened

Thanks to this vision, the company quickly succeeded in becoming one of Turkey’s export giants.

With the Third Generation Came the Goal of Becoming a Global Brand

Today, the person who has taken over the flag is Oğulcan Kemal Sagun. Despite his young age, he integrates both a modern business approach and the dynamics of international markets into the company structure.

Under the leadership of Oğulcan Sagun:

• The brand is becoming digitalized
• New farm investments are being made
• Focus is being placed on Asian markets, especially Japan
• Global competitiveness is being strengthened

Being able to export to Japan—considered the homeland of fish—stands out as one of the most important steps reinforcing the company’s international credibility.

Eight Fish Farms Across Turkey

Today, Group Sagun has a total of eight fish farms located in different regions of Turkey. The fish produced in these farms are raised and processed in accordance with international standards and are shipped to many countries around the world.

The importance of these farms:

• Sustainable production
• Strengthening quality control processes
• Increasing domestic production
• Growth of export capacity

Group Sagun both contributes to the Turkish economy and stands out with pioneering practices in the industry.

A Brand That Introduces Turkish Fish to the World

Today, Group Sagun is not only a producer but also an export leader. It proudly represents Turkish fish in many countries around the world:

• Japan
• Europe Countries
• Middle East
• The American market”

The company’s long-standing commitment to quality has enabled them to build trust in global markets.