International Taste Star for Turkish Cherry

The cherries produced by Alanar Fruit, a subsidiary of Tekfen Agri, are awarded with 2 gold stars flavor certificates with a score of 87.9 percent according to the results of the 2019 Taste evaluation and certification conducted by Brussels-based International Taste Institute where  thousands of food and beverage products from hundreds of countries were evaluated.

The award ceremony was held in Brussels on June 24th. During the certification process, tests are carried out completely by blind tasting method. Instead of the brand or product origin, the high sensory analysis of the taste comes to the fore. With this certificate, Turkish cherry proved its amazing taste to the whole world.
Tekfen Agri General Manager Emrah Ince said: “Turkish cherry is certified as one of the most delicious fruits by a jury of 200 people from all over the world, including Michelin star chefs. Our goal is to achieve similar success with different fruits.”

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From left to right; Engin Colakoglu –First Undersecretary of the Republic of Turkey Embassy in Belgium, ​​Yeliz İnanç Balıbey - Tekfen Agri Corporate Communications Expert, Alain Clos - Member of Euro-Toques Master Chef, Emrah Ince - Tekfen Agri General Manager, Ismail Gencay Oğuz –Chief Commercial Counselor of the Republic of Turkey Embassy in Belgium

The results of the taste evaluation and certification, carried out by the Brussels-based International Taste Institute, which thousands of producers from all over the world eagerly await annually, are announced. According to these results, the cherries produced by Alanar Fruit, subsidiary of Tekfen Agri received 2 gold stars taste certificate with a high score of 87.9 percent in 2019. Only the products with a performance of over 70 percent are rated and certified with a jury consisting of Michelin star chefs and the world-renowned sommeliers, and it covers the evaluation of thousands of food and beverage products from all over the world.
Taste of Turkish cherry is accepted by the world
Tekfen Agri General Manager Emrah Ince reminded that the Institute has tested about 15 thousand products over the years. Ince emphasized that the products which are entitled to receive certificates are differentiated due to their quality and preference in all world cuisine. Ince said that the acceptance of the flavor of Turkish cherry with this certificate will also contribute to the export in the medium term. Ince added: “Turkish cherry is certified as one of the most delicious fruits by a jury of 200 people from all over the world, including Michelin star chefs. Our goal is to achieve similar success with different fruits”. Ince said that they produce cherries on approximately 100 hectares of area in 3 different regions of Turkey with Alanar company. He continued: "Alanar Company produces cherry in orchards, in different regions, under varying climatic conditions in latitudes and altitudes with the use of modern methods. Every 30 meters height difference means a day of delay in the maturity of cherry. In this way, we extend the cherry season to 70-80 days”.

About International Taste Institute…
Founded to demonstrate the commitment to food & beverage products and to evaluate & register TASTE performance, the institute constitutes of prestigious and world-renowned chefs such as Ferran Centelles - (El Bulli Foundation Head Sommelier), Manuel Jimenez - (Best Spanish Sommelier 2017), Alain Nonnet with 2 Michelin stars for 36 years, 2017 Italy Bocuse d'Or Winner Gaetano Raguni, British Food & Beverage Ambassador & BBC television host presenter Alan Coxon, and 1 Michelin star chef Cristina Figueira. The products are scored and analyzed by blind tasting method in large panels, by independent food and beverage professionals performing tasting without knowing the brand, product name or origin, and by following a systematic and objective methodology.

About Alanar…
Alanar Fruit operates in fruit production and trade. Alanar's main products are cherry, fig, pomegranate and apricot; and apples, plums, persimmon, chestnuts, peaches and nectar are also included in the product range. Alanar Fruit, which joined the Tekfen Agri family in 2018, is expected to increase its fruit sales volume, which is around 10,000 tons per year, to over 35,000 tons per year within 10 years as a result of new investments following the acquisition.