DCT Trading has three subsidiaries named YAKA IKE, BLUEFARM IKE and PULSE.
YAKA IKE
YAKA primarily purchases cherries from producers in the Western Thrace region where its facility is located, as well as from various producers and cooperatives in other regions of Greece. Using its technological optical calibrator at the facility, YAKA can categorize cherries acquired based on both quality and size most efficiently. This allows the products to be directly sold to supermarket chains across Europe through various packaging, product quality, and service methods. Thanks to its location within the European Union and its supplier network in Greece, YAKA has the opportunity to conduct trade within the EU borders and expand into new markets.
Upon its initial days of operation, YAKA underwent various audits according to international standards for building, food safety, quality management systems, operations, and packaging processes. Following these audits, YAKA achieved the highest AA+ rating in BRC (British Retail Consortium) and a score of 100% in IFS (International Featured Standards) within the cherry sector in Greece.
Since 2017, YAKA has had over 300 growers certified under GLOBAL GAP. They have obtained necessary certifications including BRC, IFS, EN ISO 22000, GRASP, and GLOBAL GAP to commence cherry production and trading activities.
YAKA exports to European, Asian, and Balkan countries using refrigerated trucks and air cargo methods, supplying renowned supermarket chains in Europe and Asia.
YAKA not only provides GLOBALGAP certification to its growers but also offers consultancy services throughout the year, including monitoring and controlling agricultural maintenance programs. It operates within the framework of good and controlled farming practices. As part of its consultancy services, YAKA employs around 12 personnel. During the cherry season, which spans from May to July, approximately 100 additional workers are hired. About 95% of the employees are Western Thrace Turks, and women make up 85% of the total workforce.
The Yaka region, located northwest of the city of Komotini in Greece's province of East Macedonia and Thrace, has a rich history of cherry cultivation spanning over 100 years. Situated at the foothills of the Rhodope Mountains, this area benefits from its geographical location. The mountains shield the orchards from cold winter winds and create a climate where days are warm and nights are cool during the summer months. This climate advantage allows YAKA to conduct the earliest harvests as early as the beginning of May, providing a competitive edge in the cherry market.
YAKA takes its name from its strategic location at the heart of the cherry blossom region. The combination of local weather conditions and carefully selected varieties results in cherries that are firm, sweet, and delicate. Cherry varieties grown in the Yaka region include Burlat, Early Lory, Early Bigi, Samba, Sabrina, Lapins, Skeena, Z900, Ferrovia, Regina, and Kordia.
BLUEFARM IKE
BLUEFARM, established in 2021, engages in blueberry production on a total of 200 acres of land acquired through purchase and long-term lease agreements. In 2023, in collaboration with experts in blueberry production from abroad, BLUEFARM developed and implemented a new maintenance program, resulting in its first harvest. The harvest included approximately 6,000 first-planted blueberry bushes at 3 years old, followed by around 12,000 bushes planted later at 2 years old, totaling about 3 tons of yield. The goal is for this yield to reach at least 10 tons in the following year, with productivity expected to increase each year until reaching 4-5 kg per bush by the 6th year after planting.
As of the current status, BLUEFARM's main activity is blueberry production, complemented by cherry production. Under the consultancy of YAKA experts, maintenance work in the production orchards is conducted between March and November, with harvesting taking place in May, June, and July. During the harvest season, BLUEFARM employs approximately 100 local residents, with 80% of the workforce being women.
BLUEFARM currently has approximately 18,000 blueberry bushes and around 2,200 cherry trees planted. During the winter period of 2024-2025, an additional 25,000 blueberry bushes were planted. With this latest planting, totaling approximately 45,000 bushes, it is anticipated that when the bushes reach full productivity in their 6th year, BLUEFARM will achieve an annual average production capacity of 180 tons of blueberries.
Following BLUEFARM's first harvest and the noticeable productivity of its product, local growers in the region have started shifting their existing productions towards blueberry cultivation. BLUEFARM and YAKA engineers are providing consultancy support to these growers as well.
PULSE
Pulse is a technology company based in Izmir, aiming to make a difference in the business world by offering innovative solutions in the field of financial technologies. Pulse develops advanced technology products that optimize financial decisions, improve business processes, and provide strategic advantages to its users.