Puratos Türkiye’s “Heirloom Wheat” Project Wins Prestigious Award from Sustainability Academy

Puratos Türkiye has achieved another significant success with its Heritage Wheat Project, implemented in line with its sustainability vision. The project was awarded in the "Sustainable Food Communication" category at the Sustainable Food Awards, organized by the Sustainability Academy on 17 December 2025.

At the ceremony, which honored projects supporting the long-term resilience of food systems, local production, and fair transformation; the Heritage Wheat Project stood out with its holistic communication approach that addresses Anatolia's local wheat heritage on a scientific basis, reaches wide audiences through digital tools, and creates a powerful narrative.

Tracing Local Heritage: Zerun Wheat
Launched in 2023, the Heritage Wheat Project aims to restore visibility to and bring to the economy the heirloom Zerun wheat, protected for generations without commercial concerns by the Aktan Family in the Çalöz region of Sivas. Conducted under the guidance of a scientific board composed of academics, this local wheat variety, which stands out for its resilience to climate crisis and drought, was transformed into value-added products through Puratos' R&D capacity.

Zerun wheat was introduced to the baking world through the Sapore Zerun sourdough developed within the project scope and traditional Turna Bread recipes; with the aim of transmitting not only a seed but also a sustainable agriculture and production model to the future.

Digital and Holistic Approach in Sustainable Food Communication
The multi-layered communication strategy developed was decisive in the project's award in the "Sustainable Food Communication" category. The story of the Aktan Family and Zerun wheat was documented through short documentary series and full-length productions aired on the Puratos Sourdough Academy's social media channels.

Additionally, through the www.yadigarbugdaylarinizinde.com platform, the historical significance of heritage wheats, their resilience to climate change, and their nutritional contributions were communicated to both professionals and consumers. The project succeeded in creating social awareness by bringing the values of the past together with modern communication tools.

"The Future of Bread is Hidden in its Past"
Eyüp Türkoğlu, Marketing Director at Puratos Türkiye, noted that the award demonstrates the power of communication in the sustainable food systems journey and made the following statement:

"This award we received with the Heritage Wheat Project is a result of our passion for transmitting the cultural and scientific heritage carried by our century-old seeds to society through proper channels. At Puratos, as we bring the future of baking together with the wisdom of the past, we attach importance to building a strong communication network that enables producers and consumers to participate in this sustainable story with knowledge."