1944
The First Biscuit
Our company’s founders, brothers Sabri and Asım Ülker, begin baking their first petit beurre biscuits a in a small Istanbul shop.
1948
The First Factory
Production is moved to our first factory, significantly increasing production capacity.
1965
The New Ülker Biscuit Factory in Topkapı
We launch a new factory, introducing modern production techniques. This leads to an increase in variety of biscuits and improved distribution. We begin distributing into new parts of the country while introducing free delivery.
1970
Investing Beyond Istanbul
We begin production in Ankara, moving biscuit production outside of Istanbul for the first time. Anadolu Gıda is established as the first public company in Turkey.
1972
The First Chocolate
One production line at the Istanbul biscuit factory begins chocolate production.
1974
A Modern Chocolate Factory
The popularity of Ülker Chocolate leads to the opening of a dedicated factory in Istanbul. We extend our product range with new varieties of chocolate.
The First Export
We begin exporting to the Middle East, taking the first step toward becoming a global company.
The First R&D Department
The R&D department is created to keep pace with other international food companies.
1978
Flour Production Begins
We begin producing our own flour to ensure the purity of the key ingredient in our biscuits and cakes.
1979
A Different Approach to Packaging
We begin investing in polymer packaging for our products, leading to the eventual formation of our packaging group.
1984
Topkapı Makine is Founded
Topkapı Makine is founded to create the machines required for biscuit and chocolate production within the group.
1989
Yıldız Holding is Founded
On November 13, 1989, our companies are consolidated under the name Yıldız Holding.
1992
Investing in the Oils and Fats Industry
We establish Besler Gıda, one of the strongest links in our chain of growth, through vertical integration.
1993
Partnering with a World Giant
We partner with Cerestar Group, the largest starch producer in Europe, and establish the Pendik Nişasta Company. This investment yields a strong foreign partnership, while marking a significant phase in our vertical integration.
Ülkerspor is Founded
We found the Ülkerspor Basketball Sports Club elite team.
1995
Cake Production Begins
We begin producing the first cake bars and filled cakes in Turkey.
1996
Investing in the Dairy Products Industry
We enter the milk and dairy products industry with the opening of our Ak Gıda factory and the launch of the Ülker İçim brand.
Restructuring of Distribution
We begin phasing out our use of wholesalers by developing a completely new system utilizing distributors and sales representatives.
1999
Investing Abroad
We take important steps for our growth in Turkey and abroad by acquiring a biscuit factory in Karaman and a chocolate factory in Jeddah.
2000
A New Management Structure
Founder Sabri Ülker hands over management to the next generation, becoming Honorary Chairman of the group. Six presiding committees and a Board of Directors are established. Murat Ülker becomes CEO of the holding, commencing a new era in company management.
New Products for the Food Industry
We expand into new product categories, including chewing gum, instant soups, and other cooking products. A new line of instant soups, Bizim Mutfak, becomes one of our strongest brands.
2001
Investment in Chewing Gum
We acquire a sizable share of Baycan, the world’s third largest chewing gum producer at that time.
2002
Entering the Soft Drinks Market with Çamlıca
After successfully entering the beverage industry in 2001 with the brand Link, in 2002 we acquire soda brand Çamlıca to reinforce our position in the market. Della Gıda begins beverage production.
2003
Cola Turka
We begin producing Cola Turka, with an innovative marketing strategy.
Entering the Ice Cream Market
We introduce Golf brand ice cream. Ülker Bisküvi A.Ş. became a public company.
2004
Investing in the Instant Coffee Industry
We wake up the instant coffee market with our Cafe Crown brand, following the success of our specially-flavoured traditional Turkish coffee one year earlier. Our 3-in-1 instant coffee products are a particular hit.
2005
Partnering with Kellogg's
We become partners with Kellogg's, the world’s largest cereal manufacturer. It is the first time the Kellogg's name has appeared on packaging with another brand.
2006
Fenerbahçe Ülker
Changing our sports strategy, we bid farewell to Ülkerspor, who had won 4 Turkish League Championships, 3 Turkish Cup Championships and 6 President's Cups. We team up with Fenerbahçe Ülker basketball team, the beginning of a winning collaboration.
2007
Godiva and Going Global
We acquire international premium chocolate brand Godiva, a division of the Campbell Soup Company, marking another milestone in our growth.
Grassroots Project
We initiate the Grassroots Project in cooperation with the Turkish Football Federation.
2008
New Investments, New Markets
We invest in Unmas, producer of UNO, Turkey’s first packaged bread, and Doruk Unlu Mamulleri, which runs the bakery chain Komşu Fırın.
We acquire the Turkish tea production companies Doğaçay and Obaçay.
We enter the frozen food industry with the acquisition of Kerevitaş, Turkey’s first frozen food brand.
Founding of Sabri Ülker Food Research Foundation
We founded the Sabri Ülker Food Research Foundation in order to follow national and international scientific studies, legislation, and practices, and to support projects providing accurate nutrition information to the general public.
Ülker Children's Cinema Festival
The Sabri Ülker Food Research Foundation is created to keep pace with national and international scientific studies, legislation, and practices, and to support projects providing accurate nutrition information to the public.
We launch the Ülker Children's Film Festival, named after our flagship brand. Children across Turkey receive films from us, given in honor of National Sovereignty and Children's Day. The festival is now a tradition, taking place every April 23rd.
2009
65th Year of Ülker
Ülker celebrates its 65th year. The anniversary’s theme is expressed in its motto "A Happy Moment," which reflects the fond memories people associate with our flagship brand.
Co-operation in the Chewing Gum Sector
We establish the Continental Confectionery Company through an equal partnership agreement with Gumlink, paving the way to make Turkey a European hub for chewing gum and confectionaries.
2010
Partnership with Eckes-Granini Group
We sign a partnership agreement with the Eckes-Granini Group, one of the leading juice producers in Europe, founding a new company called Yıldız Granini.
Partnership with McCormick
We sign an equal partnership agreement with global spice company McCormick to create a new Turkish spice company called Yıldız McCormick.
2011
Acquisition of Nuroll
We acquire the Italian company Nuroll. one of the leading packaging companies in Europe. Şok retail chain stores are acquired.
SCA Yıldız Kağıt is Founded
We become partners with Swedish paper company SCA.
Bizim Toptan Goes Public
Cash & carry company Bizim Toptan is listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange.
2012
Our founder, Sabri Ülker, passes away, June 12, 2012.
2013
Partnership with Japanese company Nissin Foods
Pasta production company Nissin Yıldız Gıda San is founded in partnership with Japanese company Nissin Foods. One year later, its first product, Makarneks Instant Noodles, is put on the market.
New Acquisitions
Aytaç
We acquire Aytaç Et, one of Turkey’s largest meat producers.
Adapazarı Sugar Factory
In 2013, we acquire the Adapazarı Sugar Factory.
2014
Acquisition of DeMet's Candy Company
As the leading food and beverage company in EMEA, we acquire all stocks of DeMet's Candy Company, a chocolate confectionary manufacturer with strong distribution channels in the United States.
United Biscuits Joins Our Family
Yıldız Holding becomes the third largest biscuit manufacturer in the world through the acquisition of British food giant United Biscuits. It is the largest international acquisition by a Turkish company.
Make Happy, Be Happy!
Ülker is now 70 years old. Our journey, which began with petit beurre biscuits, continues with 300 brands that bring joy to young and old alike. We have declared November 20th ‘Make Happy, Be Happy’ Day. It’s a day when we celebrate fond memories together with our employees and all lovers of Ülker products. Happy birthday, Ülker!
