Innovative Contribution from Duru Gıda to Sustainable Agriculture and Food Safety

Duru Gıda is highlighting its work on sustainable agriculture, the preservation of local seeds, renewable energy and innovative product development within the scope of World Food Day on October 16. While the company aims to bring Anatolia's agricultural heritage back into production through the Ahmet Wheat Project carried out in cooperation with Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, it meets 58 percent of its total electricity consumption through its solar energy investments.

Attention Drawn to Sustainable Food Systems on World Food Day

The theme of World Food Day 2026, "Innovate today, nourish tomorrow", draws attention to the importance of innovation in the future of food systems. As conflicts, economic instability and climate-related risks increase pressure on agricultural production and food systems, efficient use of natural resources and production models adapted to climate conditions are gaining importance.

Duru Gıda aims to contribute to sustainable food production by bringing together its R&D efforts with the preservation of local agricultural values. The company's work extends from agricultural production to product development, and from energy efficiency to solutions addressing changing consumer needs.

Local Seeds Brought Back into Production with the Ahmet Wheat Project

At the center of Duru Gıda's sustainable agriculture efforts is the Ahmet Wheat Project, launched in 2018 in cooperation with Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University. Within the scope of the project, which aims to bring Ahmet Wheat—carrying approximately 2,000 years of Anatolia's genetic heritage—back into production, R&D and breeding studies have been completed.

As a result of these efforts, drought-tolerant local wheat seeds capable of growing in arid lands were developed. With yields of 800-850 kilograms per decare achieved in trial plantings, Ahmet Wheat holds potential for climate change-adapted agricultural production with lower water requirements.

While reducing water requirements can contribute to lowering production costs, bringing local seeds back into production is also important for supporting farmers' income and regional development. Through its contract farming model and university-industry collaborations, Duru Gıda supports the preservation of local genetic resources and the spread of sustainable agricultural practices.

Bulgur Stands Out in Sustainable Nutrition

Growing interest in plant-based nutrition is bringing the role of traditional grains and legumes in nutrition back into focus. Standing out for its fiber and plant-based protein content, low fat ratio and versatility across different dishes, bulgur offers a food alternative that can adapt to various dietary habits.

Duru Gıda supports the development of local, high-quality bulgur wheat varieties while also aiming to increase the added value of Turkish bulgur in international markets. The company positions bulgur not only as part of traditional culinary culture but also as a practical and nutritious grain that can adapt to the consumption habits of different countries.

58 Percent of Electricity Consumption Met from Solar Energy

Duru Gıda also supports its sustainability efforts with energy efficiency and production technologies. Thanks to the solar energy investments the company carried out in two phases in 2020 and 2022, 58 percent of its total electricity consumption is met from solar energy.

Bringing together traditional production knowledge with modern technology, the company also uses a natural stone mill system made from stones quarried from the village of Zengen in Karaman in its production processes. Duru Gıda states that it is the only company in the world producing with a natural stone mill system, noting that this method combines traditional bulgur production with modern production technologies.

Emin Duru: "For the Future of Food, We Must Protect Our Local Resources and Carry Innovation to Every Stage of Production"

Duru Gıda Chairman of the Board of Directors Emin Duru drew attention to the importance of innovation and the preservation of local agricultural resources in sustainable food production.

Duru made the following assessment regarding the company's work:

"Producing the food of the future requires taking steps today that protect nature, the soil and our local agricultural values. As Duru Gıda, we carry innovation into every stage of our activities, from product development to agriculture, and from production processes to sustainability efforts. While bringing Anatolia's deep-rooted agricultural heritage back into production with our Ahmet Wheat Project, we are using natural resources more efficiently through our renewable energy investments. By combining traditional production methods with modern technology, we both support local production and respond to changing consumer needs. We view every innovative step we take today as an investment in future generations' access to healthy and sustainable food."

Duru Gıda aims to continue its ready-to-eat food investments, R&D efforts and sustainable agriculture projects in the coming period. The company also aims to bring Turkish bulgur and its value-added products to consumers in more countries by supporting local production.