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 financing will fund new production lines, a steam boiler, a new warehouse, and freezers, while also advancing the company’s green agenda and inclusion initiatives, according to a press release issued on 01 July 2026. The transaction aligns competitiveness, sustainability, and inclusion goals. It marks a milestone for Besler within Türkiye’s food processing sector. The project also reinforces the EBRD’s long-standing engagement in the country.
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 company operates within Yıldız Holding’s Food Group. It offers approximately 1,250 products across 16 categories and over 50 trusted brands. The EBRD is one of Türkiye’s key investors, with more than €24 billion committed since 2009, largely in the private sector.
The loan will enable Besler to install new production lines and a steam boiler, build a new warehouse, and purchase freezers. The financing will also support the company’s green agenda, which includes eliminating coal use, improving energy efficiency in production processes, and optimizing logistics. These measures are expected to lead to tangible reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The investments respond to expanding market demand in the frozen food segment. They also position Besler to compete more effectively in global markets.
In addition, the funds will go towards creating new economic opportunities for women farmers in Türkiye, who frequently occupy lower-skilled roles in agriculture. 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, and 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.
EBRD Deputy Head of Türkiye, Mehmet Erdem Yasar, said: “This transaction delivers on all fronts – enhancing competitiveness, advancing sustainability and promoting inclusion.”
President, Food Group at Yıldız Holding and CEO, Besler Mert Altınkılınç, described the collaboration with the EBRD as an important step to expand production capabilities and gain a competitive advantage in the global market. He noted that the financing will enable investments aligned with the company’s sustainability strategy. It will also help introduce its diverse product portfolio to new geographies. The initiative supports green transformation and social progress in line with the company’s mission. Innovation, digitalization, and sustainability remain at the core of its growth strategy.
