Our History

1984

First Step

It all began in the district of Samandağ, Hatay, with the determination of a humble family. Nezehet Dağ and Bedi Dağ worked the land tirelessly for years to raise their children and sustain their family. The modest savings they built through perseverance became the foundation for a life-changing step their eldest son, Süleyman Dağ, set out for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 1984. This bold move was not merely a migration, but the beginning of a journey that broadened the Dağ family’s commercial horizons and marked the start of their global path.

Süleyman Dağ began his business career as a fresh fruit and vegetable broker. This period was not only about financial gain; it also served as a valuable lesson that commercial intelligence, trust-based relationships, and hard work can open the door to great opportunities.

1990

First Growth

Between 1984 and 1993, while continuing his fresh fruit and vegetable trade in Riyadh, Süleyman Dağ established strong business relationships with leading private companies and government institutions in Saudi Arabia. Through his solution-oriented approach, he quickly became known as one of the most trusted commercial partners in the region.

At the same time, he connected major producers from his hometown of Antakya-Samandağ and Turkey’s leading exporters with Middle Eastern markets. By marketing Turkish products under the best conditions and with a competitive vision, he contributed significantly to the growth of exporters and added substantial value to the Turkish economy.

1993

Establishment of Aqua Trading

In 1993, joined by his brother Rıfat Dağ, Süleyman Dağ took steps to expand beyond the Riyadh market into other major commercial centers of Saudi Arabia, such as Jeddah and Dammam. That same year, as a concrete reflection of this vision, Aqua Trading Office Company was founded.

Aqua Trading quickly became one of the most trusted commercial bridges in the region, serving the strong purchasing capacity of Saudi Arabia. The company connected numerous Turkish exporters  particularly from the Antakya region — with markets across the Middle East, strengthening trade relations and laying the foundation for long-term partnerships between Turkey and the Gulf region.

1998

Logistics and Trust

Between 1993 and 2000, under the leadership of Süleyman and Rıfat Dağ, Aqua Trading rapidly expanded its market share. During this period, the company went beyond trading  it also guided and trained Turkish exporters, helping them establish a stronger presence in regional markets.

By contributing to the development of proper agricultural practices among Turkish producers, Aqua Trading played a key role in improving quality standards and enhancing competitiveness. At the same time, the company strengthened its position within Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing supermarket chains and retail channels, significantly expanding its business volume and solidifying its reputation as a reliable logistics and trade partner.

2000

International Vision

By the year 2000, the foundations of a warehouse and logistics infrastructure were established in Jeddah. Initiated under the leadership of Rıfat Dağ, this development ensured faster and more organized distribution of goods throughout Saudi Arabia, particularly in Riyadh. This marked the beginning of the Dağ family’s expansion not only in trade but also in logistics and supply chain management, establishing a strong and reliable position in both sectors.

The family’s youngest brother, Ali Dağ, joined the company’s management in Saudi Arabia, bringing a dynamic entrepreneurial perspective. Between 2000 and 2009, under his forward-looking vision, the company began conducting feasibility studies to expand beyond regional trade and enter international markets.

In 2009, this vision took tangible form with the establishment of DAG International in Dubai. The Dubai office quickly evolved into a strategic distribution hub, connecting Gulf countries with the markets of Asia and Africa. Furthermore, by importing tropical fruits from South America and South Africa, Aqua Trading significantly broadened its product portfolio and strengthened its position in the global trade network.

2012

Transition to Industry

Under the initiative of the family’s founding leader, Süleyman Dağ, the company strengthened its position in the fresh fruit and vegetable trade while simultaneously taking a decisive step into the essential food industry. The most tangible outcome of this strategic transformation was the establishment of Aqua Factory for Food Industries in Riyadh. Equipped with modern liquid oil filling facilities, this factory became a symbol of the company’s transition from commerce to industrial production.

Between 2012 and 2015, with significant investments in the industrial sector, Aqua Trading evolved from a traditional fresh produce trading company into a strong player in the liquid oil market. By achieving a substantial market share in olive oil and sunflower oil products across the Middle East, the company secured its position as one of the region’s most trusted suppliers.

2016

Service Industry

With the initiatives of Rıfat Dağ and the approval of the board of directors, the company expanded beyond food production and trade, entering the service industry. In Saudi Arabia, the establishment of Sultan’s Steakhouse quickly gained widespread acclaim and was honored with the title of “Best Restaurant in the Middle East.”

This remarkable success accelerated the group’s growth within the hospitality sector. Today, the company operates seven restaurants across Saudi Arabia and two in Turkey, continuing to strengthen its presence in the international dining industry.

2017

Factory in Turkey

In 2017, a new milestone was reached for the Dağ family with the establishment of Dağ Yağ Sanayi, an integrated olive and pomace oil processing facility located in the Samandağ district of Hatay, under the management of Aydın Dağ, who oversaw the family’s operations in Turkey. Within a short period, the facility became one of the region’s most value-adding production centers.

Through this strategic investment, the company not only strengthened its presence in the Middle Eastern market but also expanded its exports to European countries, marking a new stage of international growth. Thus, the Dağ family elevated its journey — which began with trade — to a new level of integrated production and global branding.

2022

European Expansion

In 2022, under the leadership of CEO Ali Dağ, the group embarked on a new restructuring initiative in Europe to adapt to changing global dynamics. DAG International EU, established in Germany, was founded with two primary missions:

• To supply frozen foods and various imported products to Middle Eastern markets,

• To market olive oil and essential food products produced in Turkey to the European market.

In line with this vision, the group made strategic office and warehouse investments in Munich, strengthening its operational presence in Europe. Through this expansion, the Dağ family successfully extended its strong trade network from the Middle East to Europe — transforming its business operations into a truly global enterprise.