Turkey Aims to Boost Its Protected Food Heritage: Government Plans to Increase EU-Registered Products to 60 by 2026

Turkey is moving steadily to expand the presence of its traditional food products in European markets, as part of an ambitious government plan to increase the number of Turkish items registered as Geographical Indications (GIs) in the European Union from 40 to 60 by 2026. This initiative is outlined in the newly released Presidential Annual Program, which places intellectual property protection and value-added product development at the center of Turkey’s economic strategy.

In recent months, Turkey successfully secured GI status for “Gaziantep Baklava” and “Hatay Kaytaz Böreği,” raising the total number of EU-protected Turkish products to 40. Officials expect the number to reach 45 by the end of this year, paving the way toward achieving the full target next year.

Preserving Heritage and Strengthening Brand Identity

The government’s annual program includes a comprehensive plan to enhance the legal framework for intellectual property rights. Geographical Indications are a cornerstone of this plan, serving as an essential tool for safeguarding Turkey’s culinary heritage and strengthening the global identity of Turkish products.

The initiative involves designing a national roadmap to improve the enforcement of intellectual property rights at both domestic and international levels. It also provides technical support to producers and institutions seeking to register their products under the EU’s GI protection system. In addition, selected high-potential products will receive advanced training in branding, identity building, and strategic marketing.

The government also plans to publish an annual report assessing the economic impact of creative industries and copyright-based sectors, offering insights into their contribution to the national economy. Trademark owners will benefit from professional support services in valuing and managing their intangible assets, reinforcing their competitive strength in global markets.

Supporting Local Production and Enhancing Technical Capacity

To identify the Turkish products most likely to succeed in the EU market, the government is compiling detailed economic data on export potential and international competitiveness. Public awareness campaigns on patent use and industry standards are also part of this broader effort.

Turkey is preparing to integrate artificial intelligence technologies into GI and patent registration procedures, aiming to accelerate processing times and simplify administrative steps that were previously considered lengthy and complex.

The plan further promotes alternative dispute-resolution mechanisms, such as mediation and arbitration, to address conflicts related to intellectual property rights—reflecting Ankara’s determination to protect its traditional products amid rising global competition.

What Is a Geographical Indication?

A Geographical Indication is a legal classification granted to products whose quality, reputation, or characteristics are linked to a specific geographic area. It helps preserve authenticity, supports local producers, and strengthens market trust.

Some of the well-known Turkish products successfully registered in recent years include:

• Gaziantep Baklava
• Aydın Dried Figs
• Malatya Apricots
• Milas Olive Oil
• Antakya Kunefe

Growing Economic Benefits

Economic analyst Ömer Akkoç explains that Turkey’s expansion of GI-protected products in the EU offers benefits far beyond cultural preservation, becoming a strategic tool for boosting export revenues and increasing competitiveness in Europe.

According to Akkoç, European data shows that GI-protected products typically achieve prices 20% to 50% higher than non-protected items, thanks to strong consumer confidence. In addition, GI status helps Turkish products gain access to premium retail chains across Europe while reducing the risks of imitation and unfair competition.

He added that GI protections also support rural development by raising incomes for farmers and artisans, encouraging them to maintain high-quality traditional production methods that carry significant economic and cultural value.

Akkoç concluded by noting that Turkey already has a solid institutional foundation for success in this area, but needs more advanced monitoring and marketing mechanisms to fully maximize the advantages of the EU GI system.