Ekonomist / Invested $170 million in 13 years

With over 200 brands in the ready-to-drink sector, Diageo operates in 180 countries and has been active in Turkey under the Mey | Diageo umbrella since 2011. Last week, we had the opportunity to tour the production facilities in Alaşehir, Manisa, at the invitation of the company’s new General Manager, Bahar Uçanlar. Uçanlar highlights that they have made a $170 million investment in Türkiye over the past 13 years, noting that the innovation center within the factory, called Yenilikhane, plays a significant role in these investments.

In 2019, Mey | Diageo established the world’s first research, development, and innovation center for rakı within its factory in Alaşehir and began producing Turkey’s first craft rakıs. To date, nearly 200 formulas have been developed at Yenilikhane, and the company has introduced three craft products to the market, making its craft rakı the first in the category of anise-based beverages. Uçanlar states that they aim to make innovation efforts more systematic in order to preserve a 500-year-old tradition, saying, “We have achieved this at Yenilikhane.”

Uçanlar emphasizes that the company has become one of the largest producers in the sector and one of the largest production centers in the Diageo world, stating, “Our brands have a rich heritage. Taking this portfolio a step further is one of our greatest responsibilities. We have achieved this at Yenilikhane.”