Ülker Biskuvi from Yesterday to Today
Ülker Biskuvi was established by Mr. Sabri Ülker in Eminönü, Istanbul in 1944. Ülker Biskuvi started as a small bakery with just three workers, producing 200 kg of cookies per day. In a few years the company relocated to a factory in the Topkapi district and with its four ovens each consisting of 20 square meters reached what was considered a high level of production at that time. Ülker Biskuvi produced 75 tons of cookies in 1944 and by 1948 it had already tripled its capacity in Topkapi.
In 1955, Ülker Biskuvi made a bold strategic decision to distribute its products nationwide at factory prices, without invoicing for transportation costs. This strategy spurred a huge uptick in demand and production capacity utilization.
The marketing of Ülker cookies,chocolate and other products in onjunction with corner stores and street vendors in Turkey's larger cities was truly a revolutionary approach. In
1970, Anadolu Gida was established in Ankara as a multiple shareholder company as Ülker Biskuvi's cookie production capacity doubled.
By 1974, Ülker Biskuvi had begun export of its cookies to the Middle East market. During the same year, the R&D Department was established and focused its sights on competing internationally. In 1979, Ülker Biskuvi pioneered cellophane-based packaging, launching a whole new standard in packaging concepts.
In 2003 Ülker Biskuvi merged with Anadolu Gida and realized important projects moving toward increased institutionalization. Ülker Biskuvi evolved from a small cookie bakery into a major food producer in 62 years. Today the company is the flagship company of the Ülker Group of Companies as well as a globally known brand.