In a bid to increase the visibility of Turkish tile, the Turkish Ceramic Promotion Committee has partnered with consulting firm DDB Worldwide Communications Group. The objective: to position the country’s ceramic offerings as a brand rather than a collection of individual products.

DDB will be responsible for developing exhibitions and advertising campaigns to promote Turkish tile. Part of the effort will be evident at a Turkish pavilion at this month’s Coverings convention in Chicago. Work will be displayed from the Turkish companies Toprak Dis Ticaret, Kalebodur-Canakkale Seramik, Termal Tiles USA, Inc., Ege Seramik, Vitra Eczacibasi, Yuksel Seramik and Yurtbay Seramik. During the meeting, the Turkish Ceramic Promotion Committee will serve a traditional Turkish breakfast to visitors in their exhibit each morning of the conference.

Promotion Committee president Bahadir Kayan says more “innovative products and global marketing campaigns” are underway by Turkish ceramic manufacturers and notes that Turkish ceramic export demand rose 20 percent last year. The committee, which was formed to promote Turkish ceramics through research and exhibitions, is focused on differentiating Turkish ceramics. to increase sales domestically and abroad.