Production and Growth Move from Şölen Çikolata
At a meeting held in Baku, Şölen Çikolata announced its automation investments, goals for Azerbaijan and Central Asia, and its new brand BetterWay, which will hit the market in November.
Şölen Çikolata CEO Erdoğan Çoban shared the company's production strategies, automation investments, and growth targets in Azerbaijan and Central Asia during a press conference in Baku. Drawing attention to the increases in cocoa prices, Çoban also provided information about the new brand BetterWay, which will be launched in November.
Automation Investments and Cost Advantage
In this period when sharp increases in cocoa prices are challenging the industry, the importance of automation investments has increased manifold. Şölen Çikolata CEO Erdoğan Çoban stated that robotic and automation investments have reduced costs by approximately 30 percent.
Noting that total labor has a single-digit share within the company's cost structure, Çoban emphasized that manufacturing in areas outside labor-intensive sectors in Turkey still offers a significant advantage.
Turkey Strategy as a Production Base
Stating that Turkey will be the winning country in the long term thanks to its geographical location and growth potential, Erdoğan Çoban clearly stated that they have no plans to engage in production abroad.
While keeping its production center in Turkey, the company continues to take strong steps towards becoming a global brand in overseas markets.
Growth Targets in Azerbaijan and Central Asia
Holding its first overseas press conference in Baku, Şölen Çikolata aims to carry its success in the Azerbaijan market to Central Asia. The company has been operating in Azerbaijan for approximately 26 years.
Stating that operations in Azerbaijan have grown by an annual average of 15 percent over the last 10 years, Çoban noted that they will continue the growth trend in new markets such as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
Global Success of the Ozmo Brand
It was announced that the annual turnover of the Ozmo brand, which is in the children's category, has reached 200 million dollars. Azerbaijan ranks first in Ozmo's global sales.
The brand reaches consumers directly at over 8,000 sales points across Azerbaijan and increases its strength in the region day by day.
Market Trends and the New Brand BetterWay
Consumers' search for affordable prices and promotions has increased the number of stores visited for shopping. While the Turkey snack market grew by one percent in volume in the first seven months of 2026, Şölen recorded a 17 percent growth in the same period.
The company will launch its new brand BetterWay, developed to meet the increasing demand for protein and fiber, for sale first in Turkey during the first week of November.