Miller Magazine Issue: 148 April 2022

90 INTERVIEW MILLER / APRIL 2022 Increasing demand for plant protein will make pulses a shining star “There is a worldwide trend towards plant protein and healthier and sustainable foods. Consump- tion rates of pulses are increasing, as they are a valuable source of plant protein. The pulses indus- try is expected to increase its growth momentum and maintain its importance in the coming years. Hasan Gümüş Chairman of the Board Yayla Agro Gıda With the COVID-19 pandemic, which has triggered the recon- sideration of food and agricultural policies; healthy, balanced and sustainable nutrition gained importance worldwide. Building a sustainable and inclusive food system from farm to fork is of great importance for global food security and the future of the world. At this point, pulses come to the fore as a healthy protein source. As the contribution of pulses to sustainable nutrition is better comprehended, the demand for pulses is also increasing. I had a couple of words on the outlook of the food and puls- es industry with Hasan Gümüş, Chairman of the Board of Yayla Agro Gıda, which works to build a healthy and sustainable world. Gümüş stated that along with climate change, the pandemic has revolutionized the food industry and said, “Food security and supply are expected to continue to be one of the world's most strategic issues in the forthcoming years.” Gümüş noted that there is a worldwide demand for plant protein. “The pulses industry is expected to increase its growth momentum and main- tain its importance in the coming years.” he added. Mr. Gümüş, first of all, can you tell us about Yayla Agro and its fields of activity? We, as Yayla Agro Gıda, operate in a strategically important sector. Within the framework of our mission to raise the healthy generations of the future, we continue to produce reliable, high-quality, nutritious hygienic products with home-like flavors to the table. We differentiate ourselves with our 26-year history in the industry, our strong production structure and distribution network, brand awareness, R&D investments and competence to develop innovative products. We have production facilities in Ankara and Mersin. We are also preparing to establish our third factory on the 127 thousand sq m land we purchased in the Niğde Organized Industrial Zone. The innovative products that you have brought in the food and pulses sector recently attract attention. Can you tell us about them? We have a wide range of products appealing to different needs such as conventional rice and pulses products, ready-to- cook, practical, additive-free rice and soup mixes, gourmet prod- ucts (Chia, quinoa, flaxseed, etc.), the “Soup’s On” range, which is a first in Turkey, and boiled products. We have an annual pro- duction capacity of approximately 1 million tons of rice and puls- es and approximately 35 million units of packaged meals per year. We have foreign trade relations with more than 100 coun- tries across 6 continents. We export to more than 65 countries. The products that we offer to consumers through national markets, discount markets, local chains, gross markets, out-of- home consumption points, traditional wholesalers and dealers take their place on the shelves with Yayla, A’la Çiftçi, İri DANEM and Yunus brands. We produce bulgur blended with season- Interview: Mustafa Yağmurlu