Turkish Food Group To Produce Vegan Products After Halal, Kosher

Turkey’s largest food group, Yıldız Holding, has been expanding its global footprint and diversifying its product lines to cater to a wider range of consumers. After acquiring the U.K.-based cookies and snacks maker United Biscuits in November 2014 for $3.2 billion, Yıldız Holding became the world’s largest cookie maker. Recently, the company has added vegetarian products to its manufacturing line, complementing its existing halal and kosher offerings.

“All of our production is already made upon halal standards. Now we need to meet the demands of all consumers from any beliefs. For instance, we produce vegan biscuits in India, as the vegan population is high there,” said Yıldız Holding Vice Chairman Ali Ülker. He also highlighted the company’s strategic focus on new markets, such as China and Japan, reflecting their commitment to global expansion.

Yıldız Holding now employs a total of 48,000 people, 15,000 of whom are based abroad. This workforce supports their extensive operations, which include premium brands and innovative product lines. In 2007, Yıldız Holding acquired the premium chocolate maker Godiva for $850 million, and in 2013, they bought DeMet’s Candy Company, the U.S. maker of Flipz chocolate pretzels and Turtles covered nut clusters, for $221 million.

The global market for vegan and vegetarian products has been growing significantly, driven by increasing consumer awareness and demand for plant-based diets. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global vegan food market size was valued at $23.31 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6% from 2021 to 2028. This growth presents a substantial opportunity for companies like Yıldız Holding to innovate and capture new market segments.

Moreover, the halal food market is projected to reach $2.47 trillion by 2028, according to Polaris Market Research. This growth is fueled by the increasing Muslim population worldwide and the rising demand for halal-certified products. By offering products that cater to both halal and vegan consumers, Yıldız Holding is well-positioned to leverage these trends and drive further growth.

Yıldız Holding’s strategic acquisitions and diversification into vegetarian and vegan products, along with their focus on halal standards, demonstrate their commitment to meeting diverse consumer needs and expanding their global presence. This approach not only enhances their market position but also aligns with the evolving preferences of consumers around the world.