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As Türkiye’s ready-meal sector continues to surge, the concept of “ghost kitchens” is emerging as a defining innovation. According to CNBC-e, this digital transformation points to a future where ordering large-scale catering could become as effortless as hailing a ride with a smartphone.
The ready-meal industry in Türkiye is expanding at an estimated annual rate of around 15%, and a single order can mobilize up to 56 different support industries. This wide-reaching impact highlights the intricate network underpinning meal production and delivery.
Huseyin Bozdag—who serves as both the head of YESIDEF (Yemek Sanayicileri Dernekleri Federasyonu) and chair of TOBB’s (Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye) Services Council—pointed to a major milestone: a Turkish meal provider served guests from 154 countries during the Qatar World Cup, signaling Türkiye’s rising global presence.
He also noted that roughly 5,800 firms in the sector are officially licensed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and that technology is playing a larger role—from menu planning to calorie tracking. Drawing on World Health Organization benchmarks, they are using artificial intelligence to calculate nutritional values.
“Ghost kitchens” are facilities that prepare food exclusively for delivery—no dining area, no waitstaff, no tables. Everything runs through online orders, streamlining costs and operations.
Bozdag, spoke to CNBC-e, described plans for an app-based system that would allow customers to place bulk meal orders with just one click—similar to calling a cab or booking a short-term rental. He said that they aim to roll this out across Türkiye and beyond.
In a separate initiative, Bozdag introduced the “satellite kitchen” project, designed to ease the lives of retirees. These kitchens, situated in towns linked to major cities, aim to reduce population density in urban centers while ensuring elders don’t need to worry about shopping for essentials like gas or produce.
Meals would be prepared for them at a monthly cost of approximately ₺18,000 (over $430) per person. Bozdag emphasized that this would both support efforts against inflation and bring added convenience to retirees’ lives.
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