R&D investments boost our competitiveness in international markets

TÜGİS Chairman Kaan Sidar said that conscious consumers increase quality and excellence in production, in his assessment on the occasion of 15-21 March Consumer Protection Week. Sidar stated, "R&D investments aimed at meeting demand are converted into added value, positively impacting our country's economy and increasing our competitive strength in international markets." Kaan Sidar, Chairman of Türkiye Gıda Sanayi İşveren Sendikası, drew attention to the impact of conscious consumers on food production and the economy during Consumer Protection Week. Saying that "today's consumer is not passive but plays a decisive role in production," Kaan Sidar emphasized the importance of consumers making conscious demands and preferences, continuing as follows: "Conscious consumers who demand quality products that are environmentally and socially responsible encourage higher production standards and companies to produce higher-quality products. Our industry's R&D investments aimed at meeting this demand are converted into added value, affecting our country's economy and increasing our competitive strength in international markets. Furthermore, conscious consumers who take initiative in more efficient use of resources and prevention of waste, and who prefer domestic products, make transition to a sustainable economy possible and support development." [caption id="attachment_160348" align="aligncenter"] Kaan Sidar[/caption]

Consumer demand effective in food safety

Pointing out that the increase in consumers' food literacy is also effective in food safety demand, Kaan Sidar emphasized that Turkish food industry produces in line with international standards, continuing as follows: "There can be no compromise on food safety. It is very important to increase inspections against unlicensed production that risks food safety and public health, and for imposed sanctions to be deterrent. Not only the production phase but also every stage including food transportation and retail sales processes need to be handled with utmost care. This is only possible through consumer demand. Previously, when consumers took action due to the risks posed by food sold in the open, they ensured the publication of a regulation making it mandatory to sell foods in packaging. Just like in this example, conscious and justified consumer demands force public institutions to take initiative on this matter and make legal regulations," he said.

Meaningful results in sustainability possible through consumer effort

It was stated in the speech that food manufacturers are taking initiative to ensure sustainability in their production, and particularly work is increasing on providing the energy used in production from renewable sources. Sidar said, "In our sector, the use of equipment that increases energy savings and efficiency is being prioritized. Waste generated in production is reduced through methods such as composting for organic waste, treatment for liquid waste, and recycling for packaging, aiming to minimize the impact of waste on the environment. Our sector values resource sustainability with a responsible supply chain approach." Saying "the sustainability efforts of industry and business alone do not make sense without consumers having consciousness and sensitivity in this direction," Sidar stated, "One kilogram of wasted tomato also takes 50 liters of water with it. A report prepared by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) shows that 61 percent of food waste is discarded as domestic waste, 26 percent occurs in the service sector, and 13 percent in the retail sector. Therefore, in order to achieve meaningful results in ensuring sustainability, first a consciousness needs to develop on the consumption side and consumers' behavioral patterns need to change," he concluded.