Pladis, the parent company of well-known brands including McVitie’s, Jacob’s, GODIVA, Flipz, and Ülker, has recently announced the opening of its commercial enterprise and distribution center in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital.
This new distribution center will facilitate the introduction of the Ülker brand to consumers throughout Uzbekistan. The brand is set to reach over 30,000 sales points via regional dealerships in 12 cities, significantly increasing its market presence.
Initially, Pladis plans to supply 105 unique Ülker products to these sales points, ensuring consistent weekly deliveries during the first year. This strategic move aims to solidify the brand’s foothold in the burgeoning market.
Pladis has a rich history in Central Asia, establishing its presence over 25 years ago by manufacturing chocolate and biscuit products for Ülker in Kazakhstan. This expansion into Uzbekistan is a natural progression in its regional strategy.
“As one of Central Asia’s most dynamic and fastest-growing markets, with a population nearing 38 million, Uzbekistan presents a significant opportunity to strengthen our presence in the region and expand the reach of our Ülker brand,” stated Özgür Kölükfakı, managing director of Pladis Türkiye and Central Asia.
“Our market entry in Uzbekistan allows us to bring our products to millions of consumers, while deepening our long-term commitment to the region through strong local partnerships and meaningful economic contribution.”
Founded in 2016, Pladis operates 27 bakeries and factories across 11 countries, with its products available in over 110 nations worldwide. The group employs 16,000 individuals and is headquartered in London.
According to its 2023 financial results, the group achieved revenues exceeding £2.7 billion, reflecting its robust performance in the competitive landscape of food manufacturing.
Earlier this year, Sridhar Ramamurthy and Tim Brett took on interim oversight of operations at Pladis following the sudden departure of former CEO Salman Amin, who resigned due to personal reasons.
Additionally, former Pladis UK and Ireland head David Murray was elevated to the newly created role of global chief commercial officer, while Mete Buyurgan has been appointed as the new UK and Ireland lead.
