Ekonomist.com.tr / Over 13 years, $170 million has been invested in Türkiye

Bahar Uçanlar, General Manager of Mey | Diageo, stated that they have drawn strength from the experience and expertise of Diageo, which operates in 180 countries with over 200 brands, and have invested $170 million in Türkiye to date.

Meeting with members of the press on Thursday, October 3, at the innovation center Yenilikhane, located at the Alaşehir factory, Bahar Uçanlar highlighted that Mey | Diageo has invested $170 million in Turkey over the past 13 years. Uçanlar emphasized that these investments, focused on improvement, innovation, and sustainability, have increased Mey | Diageo’s production capabilities. She also noted that, in addition to being one of the largest producers in the industry, the company has become one of the largest production hubs in Diageo’s global operations.

Among the projects they are most excited about is the world’s first rakı innovation center, Yenilikhane, Uçanlar mentioned. She continued, “Rakı holds a very important place in our business. Our brands have a rich heritage. Taking this portfolio a step further is one of our greatest responsibilities, and we have succeeded in doing so at Yenilikhane.” Uçanlar also added that Diageo supports local spirits in many different countries around the world and that they will continue product development and craft rakı initiatives at full speed, particularly in recent years at Yenilikhane.

Close to 200 Formulas, First Craft Products

Starting from the grain, Mey | Diageo has been working to preserve, develop, innovate, and shape the future of a tradition that spans 500 years, together with its brands. In 2019, the company established the world’s first rakı research, development, and innovation center within its Alaşehir factory and began producing Turkey’s first craft rakıs. While nearly 200 formulas have been worked on at Yenilikhane so far, the company has introduced three craft products to the market, which are the first of their kind in the aniseed spirits category.