“As Mutlu Makarna, our goal is not only to produce products, but to transform into a sustainable food company that is recognized as a global benchmark. With our 100% domestically funded wheat supply chain, our production model that respects both people and nature, our high-tech infrastructure, and our world-class quality approach, we are moving steadily forward in line with this vision.”
Aykut Göymen
As one of the strongest players in Turkey’s pasta industry, Mutlu Makarna carries its more than half a century of production experience into the future through technology and R&D investments. Producing pasta in its high-capacity facilities in Gaziantep and exporting to more than 100 countries across six continents, the company today ranks not only among Turkey’s but also the world’s leading manufacturers. Chairman of the Board Muhittin Aykut Göymen shared with BBM Magazine Mutlu Makarna’s global competitiveness, sustainability vision, and strategic investments that are shaping the industry.
Göymen emphasizes that Mutlu Makarna, which brings flavor to tables, bases its production strength not only on capacity but also on a vision that values people and nature. The veteran businessman underlines that the company’s goal is not merely to manufacture products but to become a sustainable food company that stands as an example on a global scale.
Also serving as the President of the Turkish Pasta Manufacturers Association, Aykut Göymen answered our questions as follows:
Could you tell us about Mutlu Makarna’s operations as one of the world’s leading food companies?
As Mutlu Makarna, we have been operating in this sector for more than 50 years, and we are one of the leading pasta producers not only in Turkey but also worldwide. In our integrated facilities located in Gaziantep, we have the capacity to process 4,400 tons of wheat and produce 1,850 tons of pasta daily. We deliver our products to over 100 countries across six continents.
We do not view our operations as limited to production alone. We continuously create value through technological transformation, sustainable agricultural practices, innovative product development, and diversification that supports consumer health.
What kind of competitive advantage does being among the world’s top 10 pasta plants provide?
Being ranked among the world’s top 10 facilities offers a significant competitive edge not only in terms of production capacity but also in efficiency, traceability, and quality standardization.
Thanks to large-scale production, we benefit from economies of scale in logistics and supply chain, while also making substantial investments in R&D, quality control, and energy efficiency. This advantage strengthens the reliability of the Mutlu brand both in the domestic market and in global markets.
Your company stands out as the largest in the sector among those listed in the Istanbul Chamber of Industry’s annual ISO 500 ranking. What does this achievement mean for your company?
The ISO 500 list is an important reference that evaluates industrial production power, sustainable growth, and value-creating companies with objective criteria.
For Mutlu Makarna, being on this list is not only a reflection of our production volume but also a strong indicator of our production quality, export capability, and contribution to employment. While this achievement is a source of pride for us, it is also a strategic step that reinforces our leadership in the sector and supports our vision of sustainable growth.
What does the “stone-mill-inspired production method” represent in terms of quality, taste, and consumer perception? How does it integrate with technological innovation?
At Mutlu Makarna, we draw inspiration from our roots, blending modern technology with the traditional mill concept. The phrase “stone-mill-inspired production method” represents the essence of this approach. This method allows us to grind wheat without damaging its structure, preserving its nutritional values.
Here, we are not talking about nostalgia but about sustainable quality engineering. We operate with digital monitoring sensors integrated with automation systems that optimize grinding temperature and pressure in real time. As a result, we not only preserve product taste but also meet consumers’ expectations for pure and nutritious products.
You have reached remarkable figures such as processing 4,400 tons of wheat and producing 1,850 tons of pasta daily. Which strategic investments made this growth possible?
These figures are not coincidental; they are the outcome of a long-term vision. First and foremost, we have continuously invested in our technological infrastructure. With Industry 4.0 applications, we have made all processes in our facility traceable, efficient, and sustainable.
We have implemented strategic plans in many areas, from agricultural sustainability to independent energy resources. Increasing capacity has been possible not just by adding production lines, but through the transformations achieved in these fields.
Could you share details about your solar energy project and the environmental benefits equivalent to planting nearly 2 million trees?
Sustainable production is one of Mutlu Makarna’s core strategic priorities. With the solar energy systems installed in our facilities, we generate approximately 42 MWh of electricity annually. This corresponds to an environmental benefit equivalent to the carbon absorption of nearly 2 million trees.
At the same time, we are taking determined steps to reduce our environmental footprint through waste management, water conservation, and investments in recyclable packaging. While producing, we protect not only wheat but also nature.
Could you tell us about your export portfolio and strategy? How much of your production is for the domestic market, and how much is exported? Which is your biggest export market?
Today, Mutlu Makarna is one of Turkey’s largest pasta exporters. We export approximately 70% of our production. Our products under the Mutlu Makarna brand can be found on shelves in more than 100 countries, particularly in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America.
Our export strategy is built not only on volume but also on brand awareness and a sustainable distribution network. Every day, we continue to move forward with steady steps.
What would you like to say about your new product lines (vegetable, whole wheat, couscous) and R&D investments?
Consumer needs are no longer limited to taste; health, functionality, and naturalness are at the forefront. We respond to this change both quickly and accurately. Our functional product lines such as Mac & Cheese, whole wheat, and vegetable pasta are the result of this approach.
The product development process at our R&D center is highly multidisciplinary: from nutritionists to food engineers, from marketing teams to quality specialists, an integrated team works together. We are also focusing on culturally differentiated segments such as couscous. With high value-added, niche products, we are strengthening our competitive power in the global market.
As a major industrial enterprise operating in Gaziantep, what are your contributions to the region? In areas such as employment, technology transfer, and education, what initiatives have you undertaken?
Mutlu Makarna is not only a producer but also a development actor that adds value to the geography in which it operates. In Gaziantep, we provide direct employment to around 1,000 people. Indirectly, this means nearly 4,000 people. Through local supply chains, we also contribute to thousands more. We establish collaborations with universities, offering internship and training opportunities to students.
In addition, we play a role in technology transfer, supporting local producers with modern agricultural techniques, efficiency improvements, and sustainability practices. In short, we have created an industrial model that carries Gaziantep’s production strength to both Turkey and the world.
How do you evaluate the overall pasta industry and consumer trends?
The pasta industry is undergoing a global transformation. Without moving away from traditional products, it is essential to offer solutions aligned with new-generation demands. Trends such as healthy living, protein-rich diets, and vegan nutrition are reshaping the industry.
In line with these insights, we continue to develop our own technology and make further investments. Consumers no longer just want to “be full” but to “eat healthy.” Meeting this expectation is our responsibility.
Do you have new investment plans? Are you considering investments in different areas?
As Mutlu Makarna, our growth plans are not limited to capacity; we are also pursuing investments focused on innovation, sustainability, and global expansion. New production lines, renewable energy systems, data analytics, and automation projects are high on our agenda.
We are also moving toward areas where we can engage directly with consumers. We are working on data-driven business models such as digital platforms. Pasta is our area of expertise; but our goal is to expand this expertise by integrating it with new business models.
Packaging today is no longer just a means of protection; it is the brand’s first contact with the consumer and an important part of the product experience. How does Mutlu Makarna approach this?
For us, packaging is not a surface; it is a strategic touchpoint. Packaging is the very first place where consumers encounter our brand before they even hold the product. For this reason, we design packaging to be both aesthetic and aligned with a global language.
Packaging design is now a silent sales representative. With this understanding, we strategically plan every detail of consumer interaction.
What does the concept of “eye-catching packaging” mean to you?
Eye-catching packaging does not only mean aesthetics; it means being striking, memorable, and offering an experience integrated with the brand. At Mutlu Makarna, we value not only being noticed on the shelf but also staying in the consumer’s mind.
Our color coding, iconography, and product information layout are all designed with attention to our products’ unique selling points.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
As Mutlu Makarna, our goal is not only to produce products but to become a sustainable food company that is recognized as a global benchmark.
With our 100% domestically funded wheat supply chain, our production model that respects people and nature, our high-tech infrastructure, and our world-class quality approach, we are moving forward with steady steps in line with this vision.
By maintaining our determination to be a pioneer of transformation in the industry, we will continue to be a brand that delivers “happiness” to consumers in every sense.