Alarko Expands Agricultural Reach with Major Greenhouse Investment in Kazakhstan

Alarko has had an incredible 70-year journey, transforming from a small business into one of Turkey's leading conglomerates, and is now on the fast track to becoming an international portfolio company, diversifying its business lines to keep up with the ever-changing dynamics of the modern age. The Alarko Group of Companies, which views the agricultural sector as one of strategic importance for the future of the world and humanity, is planning its investments to become one of the top 3 global players in its chosen fields. In line with this ambition, Alarko has taken another decisive step by holding the groundbreaking ceremony for the first phase of the TOO Alsera KZ greenhouse complex in Shymkent, Kazakhstan.

For 70 years, the Alarko Group of Companies has been a key driver of economic and social development through its investments both in Turkey and abroad. Now, it is further expanding its portfolio by investing in agriculture, a sector it considers fundamental to economic and social progress.

Alarko Agriculture Group, aspiring to become one of the largest corporate investors in the agricultural sector due to its strategic significance for national income, exports, employment, and sustainability, has held the groundbreaking ceremony for the first phase of the TOO Alsera KZ greenhouse complex in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. This facility will utilize geothermal resources in a circular approach. The groundbreaking ceremony for Alsera, the modern greenhouse company of Alarko Agriculture Group operating in Kazakhstan under the umbrella of TOO Alsera KZ, was held on 7 August 2024. The event was attended by Alarko Group of Companies CEO Ümit Nuri Yıldız, Alarko Agriculture Group General Manager Melike Koçoğlu, Governor of Shymkent Gabit Abdimazhitovich Syzdykbekov, and numerous other guests.

The initial phase of the TOO Alsera KZ greenhouse complex, situated on a 2100- decare plot allocated by the Shymkent Governorate, will encompass 400 decares. The greenhouse will have an annual production capacity of 51 thousand tons of fresh fruits and vegetables, made possible by the implementation of smart agricultural applications with a focus on high technology. The first phase of operations is expected to create approximately 1,750 jobs. Alarko's goal is to reach 5 thousand decares of modern greenhouse area in Kazakhstan by 2028. In addition to this investment, Alarko plans to invest a further 10 thousand decares in greenhouse facilities in Turkey by 2028.

Ümit Nuri Yıldız, CEO of Alarko Group of Companies, stated, “We aim to become one of the world's leading players in greenhouse farming with our investments both domestically and internationally."

Ümit Nuri Yıldız, CEO of Alarko Group of Companies, spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony for the first phase of the TOO Alsera KZ greenhouse complex, saying: "At Alarko, we align our transformation and growth strategy with the sustainable growth objectives of our country and the world." As part of this, we have identified agriculture as a strategic priority, and in the past year, we have moved rapidly into hydroponics and greenhouse farming. We aim to have a 360-degree presence in the agricultural sector, from greenhouses to dehydrated foods, from fertilizers to seeds, with modern techniques, digital solutions, and productivity projects. Today, we are excited to introduce our innovative investment model, which has been rapidly and successfully advancing in Turkey's agricultural sector, to Kazakhstan. We look forward to becoming a significant producer of fresh fruits and vegetables in the Asian market shortly. By developing a total of 10 thousand decares of technological greenhouses through our companies Alsera Turkey and TOO Alsera KZ, we will position ourselves as one of the world's leading players in greenhouse farming. We will continue to make a significant impact with our agricultural investments in Kazakhstan, a country where we have successfully executed numerous projects through our trusted collaborations over the years."

Melike Koçoğlu, General Manager of Alarko Agriculture Group, stated, "By 2030, we anticipate that our company will have attracted over one billion dollars in domestic and foreign investments."

Melike Koçoğlu, General Manager of Alarko Agriculture, highlighted the critical role of advanced technologies in achieving efficient and sustainable agricultural production. She pointed out that the industry’s reliance on external conditions makes effective management of these factors essential: "At Alarko Agriculture, we follow a model grounded in sustainability and high productivity, ensuring that our soilless, technological, and health-focused agricultural practices are conducted in a controlled environment." In the agricultural sector, which has significant export potential and capacity, our goal is to achieve high economic added value through optimized, digitalized, and real-time monitored production processes. By 2028, we anticipate that Alarko Agriculture Group will have attracted over one billion dollars in domestic and foreign investments. We strive to positively impact sustainable development by implementing high-value-added agricultural and food production practices that prioritize environmental and natural considerations, setting an example in the sector's transformation.