CarrefourSA has reportedly decided to stop selling alcoholic drinks. The decision came shortly after the chain was acquired by Aydın Grup. This group also owns A101, Turkey's largest discount retailer. A101 has never sold alcohol since it was founded in 2008. Industry analysts say the move signals a major shift in Turkey's retail landscape.
The acquisition was valued at around 325 million dollars. Aydın Grup purchased 89.28 percent of CarrefourSA's shares from Sabancı Holding and Carrefour. Reports indicate that the chain has already halted alcohol procurement from suppliers. Once existing stock runs out, alcohol sales will end completely. The company has not yet made an official statement about this policy.
This strategic decision carries significant commercial implications for the sector. If CarrefourSA removes alcohol from its shelves, Migros would remain the only national chain selling it. Some analysts believe this could redirect consumer traffic toward Migros stores. Others argue that alcohol typically represents only a small percentage of supermarket revenue. The new CEO, Hatice Evren, will lead the chain through this transition.
Turkey has been tightening regulations on alcohol sales and advertising in recent years. New legislation in 2026 banned alcohol branding in shops and at public events. If other retailers followed this trend, the market for alcoholic beverages would shrink further. The case raises broader questions about how corporate values influence retail strategy. Businesses must often balance profitability with the priorities of their ownership.
