AA Investment Expands Its Ethical and Sustainable Projects Abroad
Founded in 2019, AA Investment is expanding its renewable energy, restaurant technologies and gastronomy education investments, while aiming to start agricultural and accommodation projects both domestically and abroad in the next five years.
AA Investment, which started its activities in 2019, works with an investment approach that focuses on social benefit, environmental responsibility and cultural impact as well as financial growth. The company has 3 direct subsidiaries, 1 joint venture and 1 strategic partnership in its portfolio. Its fields of activity include restaurant technology, gastronomy education, sustainable energy and recycling. Stating that they make investment decisions within the framework of four main criteria, Volkan Akkaş, Board Member of AA Investment, lists these as "sustainability, social contribution, technology and data-based business models, and global branding potential."
The Dızmirler and Endires solar power plants, which are among AA Investment's energy investments, meet the energy needs of all the company's operations. Akkaş states that these facilities, established outside agricultural areas, reduce carbon emissions and provide employment and additional income opportunities for the local people.
One of the company's technology investments, the "Reztoran" platform, brings together menu planning, reservation, review management and kitchen performance analysis in a single panel. Akkaş states that with this system, food waste has decreased by up to 25%, menu efficiency has increased, and online reviews can be monitored instantly and action can be taken.
The education initiative USLA Academy includes not only technical skills but also ethical and ecological awareness in its gastronomy programs. The curriculum includes topics such as the use of local livestock resources instead of industrial meat, waste management and reducing the carbon footprint in the kitchen. Akkaş says, "Our graduates are not only chefs, but also gastronomy ambassadors who will introduce Turkish cuisine with a sustainable and contemporary approach."
AA Investment plans to start accommodation investments in destinations such as Amsterdam, Barcelona and Miami, where tourism continues throughout the year, within the next five years, while also examining opportunities for agricultural investments domestically. Akkaş says, "We see investment as a responsible tool towards nature, people and society. We believe that in the future, investment decisions will be made not only with the balance sheet, but also with conscience and vision."
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