Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

At the TOBB booth set up as part of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development meetings, held at the TOBB Twin Towers under the auspices of TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, geographically indicated products sent by Chambers and Exchanges were introduced to international participants.

The booth, which was also visited by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, featured Gaziantep Baklava, Aydın Figs, Milas Olive Oil, Giresun Round Hazelnuts, Gemlik Olives, Ezine Cheese, Osmaniye Peanuts, Bingöl Honey, Manisa Mesir Paste, Gaziantep Pistachio Paste, Bursa Chestnut Candy, Gaziantep Pistachios, and Malkara Aged Kashar Cheese were showcased, providing information about Türkiye’s rich gastronomic heritage and regional production culture.

The products with geographical indications displayed at the TOBB booth were presented as gifts to international participants during the meetings, providing them with an opportunity to experience Türkiye’s traditional flavors and rich heritage of geographical indications. In this way, our country’s regional values offered international guests a powerful platform for promotion in the fields of cultural diplomacy and gastronomy.

- Strong Contribution of Chambers of Commerce and Industry to Geographical Indications

As of 2026, there are 1,837 products with geographical indications in Türkiye, 46 of which have been registered with the European Union and are thus protected internationally.

The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB), in collaboration with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, has been steadfastly continuing its efforts for the past 15 years to protect, develop, commercialize, and promote geographical indications on international platforms.

Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Commodity Exchanges also play a significant role in this process. Approximately 40 percent of the geographical indications registered in Türkiye to date have been registered through Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Commodity Exchanges, thereby contributing to the protection of local products and their economic value.

- Contribution to Local Development and Branding

From the perspective of TOBB and the chamber and commodity exchange community, geographical indications are viewed as more than just a system that provides legal protection for products; they are considered a strategic development tool that supports local development, empowers producers, enhances the competitiveness of SMEs, promotes sustainable production, and builds international recognition for Türkiye’s regional values.

Through promotional activities conducted as part of the meetings of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development and the European Union-Türkiye Joint Consultative Committee, the aim was to increase the international visibility of Türkiye’s products with geographical indications and to contribute to the development of commercial and economic cooperation among member countries.