EBRD supports Besler’s facility upgrades and inclusion projects

• €25 million EBRD loan to Besler, a leading Turkish food processor
• Investments to increase capacity, and fund new production lines and warehouse
• Project to enhance inclusion through training for women farmers and internship programme for students

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is lending €25 million to Besler Gıda ve Kimya Sanayi ve Ticaret, a food processing company in Türkiye, to support investments that increase production capacity and efficiency.

The loan will enable Besler to install new production lines and a steam boiler, build a new warehouse and purchase freezers.

Besler has been operating at high capacity in recent years to meet market demand and has been investing in the necessary upgrades and expansions. The frozen food market continues to expand, with Besler playing a pioneering role in driving industry innovation.

The financing will also support the company’s green agenda, which includes eliminating coal use, improving energy efficiency in production processes and optimising logistics, leading to tangible reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition, the funds will go towards creating new economic opportunities for women farmers in Türkiye. Women in agriculture frequently occupy lower-skilled roles. To address this, Besler has launched the Women Stars of Agriculture 2.0 training programme, covering topics such as soil analysis, crop selection and annual planning, costs, input sources as well as agricultural technology.

The company is also setting up a nationwide internship programme to inspire young people across Türkiye to engage with agriculture. While priority is given to the student children of women farmers, the programme is open to everyone, contributing to the sustainability of agricultural employment and empowering the next generation.

EBRD Deputy Head of Türkiye, Mehmet Erdem Yasar, said: “This transaction delivers on all fronts – enhancing competitiveness, advancing sustainability and promoting inclusion. We are delighted to have played a role in supporting Besler as it takes on an exemplary position within the food processing sector. This milestone not only strengthens the company’s long-term growth but also sets a strong benchmark for responsible and forward-looking industry practices.”

President, Food Group at Yıldız Holding and CEO, Besler Mert Altınkılınç, said: "As Besler, within the Yıldız Holding Food Group we operate across a wide geography in the food industry, offering approximately 1,250 products across 16 categories and over 50 trusted brands. With our commitment to sustainability and the trust placed in our brands, we adopt a holistic approach from production to supply chain and from innovation to product development as we remain focused on our goal of being a food company that inspires today while shaping the future. This strategic collaboration with the EBRD represents an important step for our company as we work to expand our production capabilities to meet growing demand and gain a competitive advantage in the global market. It will also enable us to implement investments that align with our sustainability strategy. With this financing, we will implement our investments, introduce our diverse product portfolio to new geographies, and support green transformation and social progress initiatives in line with our sustainability strategy. Guided by our mission to ensure safe, high-quality food is accessible to all, we are determined to continue advancing our growth strategy, with innovation, digitalization, and sustainability at its core."

The EBRD is one of Türkiye’s key investors, with more than €24 billion committed since 2009, largely in the private sector.