BBM Magazine 69 - Octomber 2023

BBM • OCTOBER - EKİM 2023 42 INTERVIEW • RÖPORTAJ Similarly, consumers must be shielded from soaring food prices. In this light, we extend our gratitude to our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, our Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı, and the TMO General Manager, Ahmet Güldal. FLOUR EXPORTS SET TO RISE BY 30 PERCENT How much of Turkey’s flour demand is fulfilled by Konya? How significant is the flour industry for Konya? Turkey’s evolution in flour production has been marked by significant technological advancements from its past to the pres- ent. Flour, a primary ingredient for various foods, notably bread, is now being produced in various sectors, each with its own spe- cific type and efficiency, thanks to modern milling techniques. The Turkish flour industry, with its capacity and expertise, ex- ports over 3 million tons, projected to increase by 30% in 2023 — and satisfy an internal demand of over 11-12 million tons. This not only ensures food security but also contributes nearly 1.5 billion dollars in export revenue to the Turkish economy. Con- tinuing its growth with consistent and knowledge-driven tech- nology, the flour sector has ensured that Turkey has never faced a flour supply challenge or shortage. This was most evident dur- ing the coronavirus pandemic when the market experienced no disruptions in flour availability. TMO EFFECTIVELY STEERS THE MARKETS With bolstered reserves, the TMO has adeptly navigated market dynamics, ensuring stability and warding off sudden swings by making judicious decisions that safeguard producers, manufacturers, and final consumers alike. Additionally, within the framework of flour regulation, the TMO’s efforts have provided the flour industry with affordably priced raw materials, thereby aiding in maintaining bread prices. KONYA’S STAKE IN THE INDUSTRY Konya, responsible for 10% of Turkey’s wheat output, has seen a significant growth and expansion in its flour industry. Housing 50 flour mills, the sector in Konya represents 12% of the food manufacturing industry and contributes to 17% of its employ- ment. Flour manufacturers account for 2.4% of Konya’s entire manufacturing sector, and they represent 4% of its total employ- ment. Annually, Turkey consumes about 12 million tons of flour. Konya, with its 50 mills, boasts an annual production capacity nearing 3.5 million tons, with a utilization rate that surpasses 70%. Effectively, Konya caters to approximately 17% of the na- tion’s flour needs. Furthermore, Konya’s exports, which encom- pass cereals, legumes, oil seeds, and their derivatives, are val- ued at around $300 million, contributing to 10% of the city’s total exports. Alongside, Konya has made its mark by exporting sig- nificant quantities of milling machinery to countries worldwide. How do you rate the quality of Konya flour? Konya is renowned for consistently producing above the average in every wheat variant it cultivates. The Konya flour UN İHRACATIMIZ YÜZDE 30 ARTACAK Türkiye’nin un ihtiyacının yüzde kaçını Konya karşılı- yor? Un sanayisinin Konya için önemi nedir? Türkiye’de un üretimi geçmişten günümüze teknolojik ola- rak büyük değişiklikler göstererek bugünkü durumuna gel- miştir. Başta ekmek olmak üzere çeşitli gıda maddelerinin ana maddesi olan un, günümüz modern öğütme tekniğinin ge- lişmesi sonucu belirli tip ve randımanlarından değişik sanayi dallarında uygun nitelikte üretilmektedir. Türk un sanayisi, ka- pasitesi ve tecrübesiyle 3 milyon tonu aşan ihracatı ki bu mik- tar 2023 yılı için %30 artış trendindedir ve 11-12 milyon tonu aşan yurt içi talebi karşılayarak hem gıda güvenliğinin sigor- tası hem de 1,5 milyar dolara yaklaşan ihracat geliriyle Türk ekonomisine katkılar yapan önemli bir sektördür. İstikrarlı ve bilgiye dayalı teknolojiyle büyümesini sürdüren un sektörü ile un arzında hiç sorun yaşanmamış, un sıkıntısı çekilmemiştir. Bunun en güzel örneğini koronavirüs pandemisi döneminde piyasada hiç un sıkıntısı yaşanmamasıyla göstermiştir.