Turkey Watch Out for the Risotto

Serefe! According to the latest survey from Ipsos KMG, the popularity of alcoholic beverages in Turkey appears to have increased by some 35% in 2007. This rise in popularity of alcohol in Turkey’s five largest cities (Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa and Adana) came on the back of a modest fall in 2006, of some 9%. However, while the popularity of alcoholic beverages appears to be undergoing somewhat of a renaissance in recent times, there are still many issues facing both the local beverages industry and importers. High tax and customs duties have restrained growth within the sector, while an unsympathetic government may look to impose further restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol over the course of the new parliament. As always, those looking for a drink have found interesting, and at times dangerous, ways to get around the system. The attitude towards alcohol by the ruling Justice and