Tab Gıda Publishes Its First Sustainability Report

TAB Gıda, one of Turkey's largest and pioneering quick-service restaurant operators, released its first GRI-aligned sustainability report, featuring commitments for the future, under the motto "We Are More Than a Hamburger."

TAB Gıda, one of Turkey's largest and pioneering quick-service restaurant operators, continues its growth with over 1,800 restaurants while increasing operational efficiency and managing its economic, environmental and social impact through a responsible approach. While serving more than 1 million guests daily, it does not only provide fast and delicious experiences, but also combines accessibility, food safety, high quality and environmental sensitivity in a single framework.

TAB Gıda's 2024 Sustainability Report was prepared in accordance with the 2021 Universal Standards published by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report details sustainability efforts conducted under the focus areas of "Respect for Food," "Care for the Planet" and "Value for People," while also outlining sustainability commitments extending to 2030 for a more livable world.

Ecehan Kurdoğlu, Sustainability Director of TFI TAB Gıda Yatırımları-Group Companies, commenting on TAB Gıda's sustainability strategy and approach, said: "For us, 'We Are More Than a Hamburger' is not just a slogan; it is the essence of our company's core values and our sustainability approach. Every product in our restaurants, from production to service, is prepared with a sense of responsibility that is in harmony with nature and contributes to society. Acting with this understanding, we not only provide our customers with delicious and reliable products, but also place sustainability at the center of our business. With goals such as reducing our environmental footprint, bringing food safety to the highest level, supporting the development of our employees and adding value to society, we aim to become a more responsible and transparent company at every step. This first sustainability report not only outlines what we have accomplished, but also the targets we wish to achieve in the future. Because we believe that true sustainability is possible only by thinking not just about today, but also about tomorrow."

We demonstrate this clearly through our pioneering sustainability practices in Turkey. In our company, sustainability is considered a strategic vision that shapes the future, is owned at the Board level, is conducted in an integrated manner within our strategic governance mechanisms, and is a way of doing business that spans our entire organization. With this understanding, we shape our sustainability strategies in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, drawing on global best practices. Through efforts in the focus areas of "Food," "Planet" and "People," we determine our environmental, social and governance-based priorities, and continue to expand our area of impact by actively involving our stakeholders in this transformation journey. We hope that this first sustainability report we have published will serve as a good example to the entire sector and inspire everyone toward a more sustainable life," he said.

Safe, innovative and sustainable food solutions through a respect for food approach
TAB Gıda, for which respect for food is one of the core values guiding every stage of its business, acts with a sense of responsibility in many areas ranging from preventing food waste to implementing sustainable supply chain practices, and makes the efficient use of food a priority. In this context, the company views food safety not as a procedure but as the essence of its business, and quality as a compass that carries this responsibility into the future. With this understanding, it makes supplier selection not solely based on product supply, but according to its vision of working with business partners who have internalized food safety culture. As a participant in GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) certification programs, which it views as a fundamental requirement rather than an option, TAB Gıda demonstrates the traceability and inspection chain in every product it offers to consumers.

With its logistics centers holding BRCGS Global Storage and Distribution Standard Certification, it tracks the freshness and safety of its products from farm to table. Through its "Know What You Eat" platform, it provides consumers with all details of products transparently, from source to certifications. By procuring all its raw materials through Group Companies within the ecosystem under TFI TAB Gıda Yatırımları A.Ş., it can control the supply chain end-to-end. This structure allows it to maintain food safety standards at the highest level while taking more innovative and reliable steps in the sustainability field. With the principles of respect for nature and commitment to the future, it considers sustainable agricultural practices and animal welfare among its top priorities.

Environmental impact reduction solutions through a care for the planet approach
For TAB Gıda, combating climate change and protecting natural resources form the foundation of its responsibility toward the planet. With this understanding, it makes improvements aimed at reducing environmental impact in operational processes and implements sustainable solutions for a more livable future. As part of its environmental sustainability approach, it shapes its strategies by assessing climate-related risks and opportunities. It prepares for conditions that may be encountered in the future through science-based scenario analyses. TAB Gıda, which increases energy efficiency day by day, continues to support renewable energy sources.

With I-REC or YEK-G certificates, it continues to make significant contributions to its strategies for reducing carbon footprint. Within the framework of emission management, it systematically analyzes greenhouse gas emissions as Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3, and has its verification conducted according to the internationally valid GHG protocol. TAB Gıda, which views water to be managed in a responsible and efficient manner both as part of environmental sensitivity and as an important requirement for operational stability, takes action while developing cost-saving and innovative solutions and considering related risks. Additionally, by strengthening its waste management processes, the company continues to contribute to the circular economy through its efforts to reduce food and packaging waste.

An inclusive, ethical and socially responsible work environment through a value for people approach
TAB Gıda continues to expand its impact by touching the lives of approximately 150,000 people indirectly, along with suppliers, business partners and the families of employees, in addition to the direct employment it creates with over 22,000 employees, including its over 1,800 restaurants and franchise operations. Viewing its employees as its most valuable stakeholders and the core element of the institution, TAB Gıda continues to provide a work environment that is nurtured by inclusion and diversity, prioritizes employee training and development, and is focused on the future of work. Since 2006, TAB Akademi, its training and development platform, and its Next Generation Manager Candidate Development programs not only contribute to the training and development of its own employees but also undertake an important mission by training qualified human resources for the sector. In line with its understanding of inclusivity, TAB Gıda places emphasis on equality at every level, continuing to increase the proportion of female employees and setting an example for many sectors.

Key figures related to sustainability in 2024
• By the end of 2024, 148 restaurants obtained zero waste certification.
• 100% of street restaurant electricity consumption was certified with YEK-G certified renewable energy. 39.4% of electricity consumption was sourced from YEK-G certified sources.
• Comprehensive carbon footprint calculations were conducted in line with the GHG Protocol.
• Paper consumption was reduced by 8.4%, plastic consumption was reduced by 21.7%.
• FSC certified packaging was preferred, advancing environmental responsibility further.
• By preferring RSPO Mass Balance certified products, it contributed to preventing deforestation and protecting natural habitats.
• With 1,359 smart kiosks completed in 2024, it further simplified the ordering experience in its restaurants while making customer interaction more inclusive and faster. Digital sales reached 35% of total sales.
• As of 2024, employment was provided to over 22,000 people in total, including franchises.
• The proportion of female employees increased to 45%.
• Average annual training hours per employee reached 172 hours per person.
• The "Know What You Eat" platform was renewed to make product information more accessible.
• Through improvement efforts in response to customer feedback, a 4% reduction was recorded in the total complaint rate compared to the previous year.