22.02.2025 12:21
In the days leading up to the start of Ramadan, the ready-to-eat food sector has completed its preparations for iftar meals and food packages. Hüseyin Bozdağ, the President of the Federation of Turkish Food Industry Associations, stated that special menus and food packages will be offered for the month of Ramadan and explained the menu prices.
The ready meal sector has completed its preparations for iftar meals and food packages just days before the start of Ramadan. With the arrival of Ramadan, the sultan of the eleven months, expected to begin on March 1, it is anticipated that there will be increased activity in the ready meal sector, as in many other sectors. In this context, it is expected that the intensity seen during lunch hours in other months will shift to iftar time. Sector representatives have also started to wait for the month of Ramadan by making all their preparations.
"WE ARE EXPECTING SUPPORT FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND PHILANTHROPISTS"
Hüseyin Bozdağ, President of the Federation of Turkish Food Industry Associations (YESİDEF), stated that factories operate from 08:00 to 17:00, indicating that iftar time falls outside these hours. Bozdağ expressed that they expect a decrease in intensity during lunch hours in Ramadan, saying, "We are particularly expecting support from local governments and philanthropists who own tents. We will try to compensate for our lunch losses with Ramadan food packages and iftar tent meals." Bozdağ emphasized that Ramadan-specific food packages consist of products that can be consumed within a month, ranging from flour to oil, pasta to rice, stating, "Currently, we are preparing for 26 days. We are preparing food packages in the range of 3,500-4,000 lira per month. This is a value that can meet the needs of a family of four. We are offering this to our employers." he stated.
THE PRICES OF IFTAR MENUS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED
Bozdağ mentioned that, unlike other months, special iftar meals will be offered instead of the standard 4 types of dishes during Ramadan, and he noted: "We are creating a special iftar menu consisting of 8-10 varieties, starting with soup and continuing with roasted meat, including buttery rice, Ottoman tulumba, and local beverages. We can provide these iftar menus both as bulk meals and as packaged meals. When we serve it as bulk, the 4 dishes that normally cost 150-200 lira are offered by us in the range of 380-420 lira with iftar items. When you switch to packaging, it can go up to 550-600 lira. The meat and chicken served at the table, which we call a spread meal, meaning iftar meals eaten in tents or gardens, are also heading towards menus that range from 650 to 1000 lira, similar to a 5-star hotel.
WARNING TO CITIZENS: "RAMADAN CONDOS"
Bozdağ provided information about the issues consumers should pay attention to, stating that "Ramadan condos," like shantytowns, have emerged during Ramadan. He noted that mass iftar meals prepared by untrained individuals in uncontrolled places could lead to food poisoning for many people, and he made the following assessment: "While trying to help people, you can invite a lot of diseases. Consumers or those who will provide iftar should purchase meals from licensed food companies in the agricultural provincial directorates of the city they live in or from members under the umbrella of the Turkish Food Industry Federation, as this will also be a precaution for themselves. There are many cases of food poisoning in such meals, especially in mevlits, village, or mosque associations. Therefore, it will be much more valuable for citizens to obtain meals from licensed companies.