Ülker is a Turkish multinational food and beverage manufacturer based in Istanbul, Turkey. Its products are exported internationally, to 110 countries.[4] Ülker's core products are biscuits, cookies, crackers, and chocolates, although it has expanded to other categories.
Ülker received the "Candy Company of the Year in Europe" award from the European Candy Kettle Club in 2004.[5] In December 2007, the company acquired Godiva Chocolatier from the Campbell Soup Company for $850 million.[6]
In 2016, Yıldız Holding transferred 51% of Ülker's shares to its new global business Pladis.[7]
History
A can of Cola Turka
Ülker was founded in 1944 by Sabri and Asim Ülker, two brothers whose parents immigrated to Turkey from Crimea, commencing operations in Istanbul as a small bakery. A factory was opened in 1948. Ülker expanded in the 1970s to exporting to the Middle East market, chocolate manufacturing, and packaging. By the end of the 20th century, Ülker was manufacturing margarine, vegetable oil, and dairy products. In 2002, Ülker diversified into carbonated beverages and in 2003 added Turkish coffee, ice cream, and baby food to its product range.[citation needed] In 2003 it introduced Cola Turka, a competitor to Coca-Cola. The advertisement for Cola Turka featured actor Chevy Chase, and according to local sources Coca-Cola cut 10% off its prices due to the success of the Cola Turka launch.[4] In 2015 Ulker disposed of its drinks business.[8]
Parent company Yıldız Holding employed more than 41,000 people and was the fifth on the list of the most successful manufacturers in Turkey in 2001.[citation needed] Ülker sales reach $1.5 billion internationally.[9] Fulya Banu Sürücü has been appointed as the CFO of the company, effective from January 3, 2022.[10]
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