CarrefourSA's Blue Economy Initiative for Sustainable Seafood 

As a joint venture between Sabancı Holding and Carrefour Group, CarrefourSA is taking its leadership in the seafood and fish category one step further with Turkey's first and only integrated mussel processing facility. Under the slogan “The Right Ones Are at CarrefourSA”, the company aims to provide consumers with reliable, high-quality mussels while focusing on sustainability and establishing an environmentally-conscious business model. 

CarrefourSA continues to be a leading brand in the Turkish retail sector, with nearly 1,200 stores across 64 cities and a workforce of 15,000 employees, including franchise partners. The company consistently delivers the right products from the right producers at the right prices. Taking its leadership in the seafood category further with its "Blue Economy" vision, CarrefourSA has pioneered a unique production process at Turkey's first and only integrated mussel facility. By investing in local production and advanced technology, CarrefourSA offers customers safe, high-quality stuffed mussels while promoting seafood consumption and fostering a sustainable, environmentally-friendly trade model based on responsible use of marine resources. 

“The Right Ones Are at CarrefourSA” Focuses on Freshness 

Murat Dinçer, CarrefourSA's Deputy General Manager and Executive Board Member, stated: "As Turkey’s largest fish retailer, we offer 80 varieties of fish during the season. Fish is taking an increasing share of our revenue, and last year, we reached 12,000 tons in sales, with a target of 19,000 tons by the end of 2024. We are committed to expanding the variety in our seafood category and maintaining our leadership in this area. Our stuffed mussels, produced with a focus on freshness, enhance this category. By producing this beloved dish of Turkish cuisine in Turkey's first and only Integrated Mussel Facility, located in Ocaklar Village in Erdek, Balıkesir, we not only contribute to local production but also support the sustainability of marine resources." 

"We Aim to Increase Seafood Consumption in Turkey" 

"Seafood consumption in Turkey lags far behind Europe. According to TÜİK data, while the annual per capita seafood consumption in Turkey is 6.8 kg, this figure reaches 22 kg in Europe," said Dinçer. He added, "As CarrefourSA, the largest seafood retailer in Turkey, we aim to increase seafood consumption in the country by providing high-quality food at fair prices. We are a pioneering company in the organized food retail sector advocating for the Blue Economy. In a country surrounded by seas on three sides, we are working to promote seafood consumption while also ensuring the preservation of the underwater ecosystem. Through the technology used in our integrated mussel facility, we are making a significant contribution to marine cleanliness." 

Daily Production Capacity of 1,000 Kilograms 

Dinçer emphasized that stuffed mussels are a highly valued delicacy enjoyed by the Turkish public, and they have recently garnered significant attention abroad as well. "Our goal is to provide our customers with affordable, clean, reliable, and high-quality stuffed mussels. With a daily production capacity of 1,000 kilograms at our facility in Erdek, Balıkesir, we are offering these mussels in our stores. Our vision extends beyond this; we aim to add value to this Turkish delicacy and introduce it to global markets using our local strength. Through the employment opportunities we provide in the region, particularly for women, we are supporting their participation in the workforce. Currently, we employ approximately 30 women from the Erdek region, helping them gain professional skills and integrating them into the workforce." 

He concluded: "All the machinery and equipment used in production, including our boats, are locally sourced. From the collection of mussels in open waters to cleaning, washing, purifying, and cooking, we leverage our investment power at every step. We maintain the highest standards of food safety and product quality throughout our production processes, ensuring compliance with health and hygiene regulations. We carefully control each stage, providing our customers with products they can always trust. With our ecosystem, built on sourcing the right products from the right producers, we are continuously expanding, ensuring that we offer products that are available 365 days a year. In addition to raising awareness, we also support sustainable fishing practices. As always, we are ready to do our part, along with our stakeholders and other players in the industry, to contribute to the value ecosystem.