Ülker Exceeds 10-Year Sustainability Targets

Ülker, Turkey's leading food company, completed the tenth year of its long-term sustainability targets established in 2014 with successful results in energy efficiency, water conservation and community projects. Making steady progress towards its 2050 Net Zero target, Ülker procured all electricity used in its Turkish factories from renewable energy sources in 2024, preventing 101 thousand tons of carbon emissions. 

Ülker Bisküvi published its 10th Sustainability Report covering its economic, environmental, social and governance performance. The report covering Ülker's Turkey and international operations for the period of 1 January-31 December 2024 showed that the company exceeded the long-term sustainability targets it set in 2014. 

We contribute to the transformation of the global food system through sustainability
Despite challenging global conditions, Ülker CEO Özgür Kölükfakı stated that the company resolutely implemented its sustainability strategies throughout the year and expressed satisfaction at exceeding targets set a decade ago. Emphasizing that the sustainability journey continues, Kölükfakı said: ''Extreme weather events and ecosystem losses directly affect the food production chain, reducing agricultural productivity, causing disruptions in raw material supply and threatening water resources. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns negatively affect the production of essential agricultural raw materials. Considering these conditions, we continue to implement practices that will create positive examples not only for our own company but also across the sector and at the societal level. With our sustainability efforts that gained momentum in 2014, we maintain our leading position in the food sector; with our approach shaped under the main headings of World, Value Chain, Employees and Society, we are advancing resolutely towards our 2050 targets. Since 2014, through our sustainability efforts we have contributed to the transformation of the global food system, while continuously improving our governance structure and strengthening our resilience against risks.'' 

Kölükfakı noted that the company exceeded the water reduction target per unit of production set in 2014, achieving 42.2% water savings in 2024, and emphasized that it surpassed the target of reducing carbon emissions per unit of production by 40%, achieving a 51.4% reduction compared to 2014. Özgür Kölükfakı stated: "Through projects aimed at Ülker's long-term sustainability targets, 8,070 MWh of energy and 46,595 m3 of water were saved in 2024. We use 100% renewable electricity certified by I-REC in our Turkish factories, have zeroed out Scope 2 emissions in these facilities, and prevented 101,035 tons of carbon emissions."

''Through our innovations we both reduce environmental impact and create social value''
Kölükfakı stated that through Ülker's innovation activities in 2024 the company not only responded to consumer expectations but also aimed to reduce environmental impact and increase social value, continuing: "We launched the 'Regenerative Agriculture Project' in wheat on 180 hectares identified in Kırıkkale. On another axis of innovation efforts, our 'Biofortification Project' carried out in partnership with Sabancı University delivered first results. Within this scope, limited quantities of our 'Saklıköy Field-Enriched Grain Biscuit' produced with wheat treated with zinc and selenium through leaf application were placed on shelves in July 2025... With our 'More Than Hazelnuts' project in the Eastern Black Sea, 'Regenerative Agriculture' implemented together with wheat farmers in Central Anatolia and 'More Than Cocoa' project reaching cocoa farmers in Africa; we continue projects covering all stakeholders in our value chain through education programs, equipment, new seedling support and microbial fertilizer applications.

Sustainability achievements led to leadership in international rankings
Ülker CEO Özgür Kölükfakı noted that the company has been included in the Borsa İstanbul Sustainability Index since 2015 and stated that in 2024 it achieved inclusion in S&P Global's Corporate Sustainability Assessment (The Sustainability Yearbook) for the fifth consecutive time. Kölükfakı said: "We maintain the position of being one of 9 Turkish companies on the list and the only Turkish company among 26 global companies in the food products category. Among more than 450 global companies in the LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group) sustainability index, we were category leader in January 2024 as we were in January 2023. Across Borsa İstanbul in all sectors, we ranked first. Our first sustainability-linked bond issuance received significant interest. While we provided a sustainability-linked credit of USD 410 million in 2023, we issued a sustainability-linked bond of USD 550 million in 2024. With our sustainability vision that we have made a permanent part of our corporate structure through long-term targets, we are committed to continuing our sustainable growth." he said.