Was an operation conducted against "Köfteci Yusuf"? Incredible claims and comments
To understand Turkey's prominent position in counterfeit product trade, it is useful to look at the 2021 OECD and EUIPO report. According to the report, Turkey holds a 3.3% share in counterfeit trade, ranking second after China. The majority of counterfeited products worldwide belong to American, Italian, French, Swiss, and Japanese brands.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry continues to uncover fraud in its inspections related to food safety. In its 2024 report, many companies are accused of counterfeiting and adulteration. However, one notable name is missing from the list: Köfteci Yusuf, which has nearly 300 branches across Turkey.
The allegation that pork was found in samples taken from two branches caused a huge public outcry. It was claimed that a court ruling prevented the brand’s name from appearing on the list. Later, analysis reports from the Ministry of Agriculture quickly spread on social media.
Tension Between Sedat Peker and Köfteci Yusuf
As Köfteci Yusuf grew, the brand’s owner, Yusuf Akkaş, began to face mafia threats. When Akkaş wanted to acquire a meat facility in Afyon, he was pressured by the mafia. According to claims, Sedat Peker’s men threatened Yusuf Akkaş with statements like, "We’ll spread news that you use pork in your products." These threats were investigated by the prosecutor's office, and the incidents were made public in 2021.
Today's "pork" allegations may have originated from these threats. The tension between Köfteci Yusuf and Sedat Peker suggests that different forces may be behind the accusations the brand is facing.
Examples from the Past
Once, Panda was Turkey’s local ice cream brand. When Algida entered the market, the first thing it did was invest heavily in advertising through the country’s leading newspapers and television channels (owned by Aydın Doğan). Then, through authors and journalists like Fatih Altaylı, they discredited the Panda brand with claims of rats and hygiene issues in the factories. Now, Algida is the sole market leader.
Have you noticed? News about Köfteci Yusuf always appears at the top of your social media feed. Why is that?
