Ajinomoto merges Turkish subsidiaries for business expansion

Japanese food company Ajinomoto is planning to combine its Turkish subsidiaries Ajinomoto Istanbul Food Sales, Kükre and Örgen by July this year.

By merging its three businesses, Ajinomoto intends to establish itself as a comprehensive food manufacturer in Turkey in order to further expand the footprint of its international consumer foods business in the Middle East.

Upon completion of the merger, the new business entity will be named Ajinomoto Istanbul Food Industry and Trade.

In 2011, the Japanese firm entered the Turkish market by establishing Ajinomoto Istanbul Foods Sales, and in 2013 the company expanded its footprint in the region by acquiring a 50% stake in liquid seasonings producer Kükre.

Last year, Ajinomoto acquired the remaining 50% stake in Kükre and also took over Örgen, which produces and sells powdered seasonings and processed foods.

As a result of these acquisitions, Ajinomoto took ownership of the Kemal Kükrer brand owned by Kükre and the Bizim Mutfak brand owned by Örgen.

In order to establish a new platform to further enhance the manufacturing and marketing capabilities of liquid seasonings, powdered seasonings and processed foods, Ajinomoto’s new business entity in Turkey will be using the marketing and sales functions of Kükre and Örgen.

Additionally, the new company will focus on the development of new products using Ajinomoto Group’s specialised ingredients and technologies.

The Japanese food company also intends to promote its ‘Ajinomoto Group Brand’ in Turkey and the rest of the Middle East by introducing its logo (AGB) on the product packaging of Kemal Kükrer, Bizim Mutfak and other major brands.

The new logo was unveiled by the company in October last year.

The decision to combine businesses is said to be part of Ajinomoto’s 2017 to 2019 Medium-Term Management Plan, which focuses on building a stronger regional portfolio.