01.04.2026 Aydın Commodity Exchange Hosts Closing Meeting of the “Developing Branding and Commercialization Strategies for Geographical Indications Project"

The closing meeting of the Development of Branding and Commercialization Strategies for Geographical Indications Project, implemented in cooperation with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, was hosted by Aydın Commodity Exchange. The project aims to strengthen the commercialization of Türkiye’s geographical indication products registered with the European Union and increase their market value.

The meeting was attended by Yakup Canbolat, Governor of Aydın, Fevzi Çondur, Chairman of the Board of Aydın Commodity Exchange, A. Bahri Erdel, Chairman of the Assembly of Aydın Commodity Exchange, Prof. Dr. Muhammed Zeki Durak, President of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, Prof. Dr. Habip Asan, Director of the Division for Transition and Developed Countries at WIPO, Hakan Ülken, Chairman of the Board of Aydın Chamber of Commerce, Ahmet Nejat Sağel, Chairman of the Board of Söke Commodity Exchange, together with representatives of public institutions, professional organizations and producers.

Our Goal is to Transform Geographical Indications into Economic Value

Delivering the opening remarks, Fevzi Çondur, Chairman of the Board of Aydın Commodity Exchange, emphasized the significance of the project.

"It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the closing meeting of the Development of Branding and Commercialization Strategies for Geographical Indications Project, carried out in cooperation with the World Intellectual Property Organization and the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office. The project aims to strengthen the commercialization of Türkiye’s geographical indication products registered with the European Union and enhance their market value.

Today, it is not enough for geographical indication products to be registered. They must also develop strong brand identities and create sustainable economic value. With this understanding, Aydın Commodity Exchange continues its efforts to promote, brand and commercialize the geographical indications under its ownership.

The inclusion of Aydın Memecik Olive Oil among the pilot products of the project and the successful completion of its European Union registration process represent a significant source of pride for our Exchange. Through this project, together with our producers and stakeholders, we have taken important steps towards strengthening the position of Aydın Memecik Olive Oil in both national and international markets.

Our efforts to promote the unique characteristics of our geographical indication products and transform them into added value reinforce both the responsibilities and the long term vision of our institution. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all institutions, stakeholders and producers who contributed to the successful implementation of this project."

Geographical Indications Must Be Commercialized to Create Value

Speaking at the meeting, Hakan Ülken, Chairman of the Board of Aydın Chamber of Commerce, stated that geographical indications can only generate real value when they are successfully commercialized.

"As we have always emphasized, geographical indications cannot reach their full potential unless they are commercialized. I am pleased to see this process materialized through such a valuable project, culminating in today's closing meeting in Aydın. I would like to congratulate the Chairman of Aydın Commodity Exchange and everyone involved. While our Chamber focuses on trade, exports and foreign trade, Aydın Commodity Exchange carries out highly valuable work to commercialize the province's agricultural products and local values. These achievements require dedication and sustained effort, and I sincerely congratulate all those who contributed."

Project Highlights and Evaluations

Throughout the meeting, speakers emphasized that registration alone is not sufficient for geographical indication products. They underlined that branding and commercialization are essential for transforming these products into sustainable economic value.

Prof. Dr. Habip Asan, Director of the Division for Transition and Developed Countries at WIPO, stated that the pilot project implemented in Aydın would serve as a model for future initiatives and highlighted the significant potential of geographical indication products.

Prof. Dr. Muhammed Zeki Durak, President of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, emphasized the importance of the project and stated that efforts to strengthen the branding and promotion of local products would continue.

Geographical Indications Represent Both Cultural and Economic Value

In his address, Governor of Aydın Yakup Canbolat stated that Aydın Memecik Olive Oil is one of the most distinguished representatives of the province's long established olive growing tradition. He noted that the project would make a significant contribution to the international promotion and branding of the product.

Governor Canbolat emphasized that geographical indications are not merely product names but also reflect the climate, production traditions and craftsmanship of their regions. He also noted that Aydın Memecik Olive Oil and Aydın Memecik Olives are registered by the European Union as Protected Designations of Origin, contributing both to the local economy and to the international recognition of Aydın.

Certificate Ceremony and Presentations

Following the opening speeches, commemorative gifts were exchanged among the protocol members.

The programme continued with a presentation entitled Strengthening Branding and Marketing Strategies: The Aydın Roadmap, delivered by Project Consultant Arife Yılmaz Topal. Following the presentation, participation certificates were presented to producers who contributed to the project.

During the second session, Dr. Özden İlhan, Industrial Property Expert at the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, presented an evaluation of the project outcomes. Zeynep Merve Yavuz, Trade Expert at the Ministry of Trade, provided information on government support programmes for exporters, while Gülşah Öselmiş, Expert at the GEKA Aydın Investment Support Office, introduced the support mechanisms available for geographical indication products.