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Press release…
Five local products specific to Türkiye’s western province of Balıkesir’s Ayvalık district have been registered, now Ayvalık appetizers are next in line…
Ayvalık Municipality has gained geographical indications for five local products specific to Ayvalık with the work it has been carrying out since 2019. Ayvalık Mayor Mesut Ergin stated that their next goal is to register the appetizers specific to the city with geographical indications.
“From now on, Ayvalık appetizers should also get the value they deserve along with gastronomy festivals. Ayvalık is a treasure trove in terms of appetizers. We aim to gain geographical indications for one or two of our appetizers every year,” Mayor Ergin said.
5 New Registrations in the Process That Began in 2019…
Reminding that only olive oil had received a geographical indication in 2007, Ergin stated that no other product had been registered when they took office. “No steps had been taken on this issue for 15 years. We evaluated this situation internally and received support from Professor Dr. Mustafa Kıralan from Balıkesir University Gastronomy Department. As a result of the interviews and analyzes, we have gained geographical indications for five of our local products in five years,” he explained.
Ayvalık Curd Dessert, Mastic Cookies and Toast Registered…
Pointing out that the existence of products that are among Ayvalık’s local flavours and can be easily obtained when entering the market, he noted, “Ayvalık Mastic Cookies and Ayvalık Curd Dessert are well-known flavours. Among Ayvalık’s well-known flavours, lor dessert and mastic cookies were among the first products to receive geographical indications. On December 26, 2022, Ayvalık Curd Dessert, on January 26, 2023, Ayvalık Mastic Cookies and on January 27, 2023, Ayvalık Toast were registered by the Ministry of Industry and Technology under the name of traditional products.”
Sea Urchin and Basket Cheese on the List…
“The sea urchin known as ‘Karadiken’ in Ayvalık region also received a geographical indication on January 4, 2024. Then, on November 22, 2024, Ayvalık basket cheese was registered too and added to this list. Thus, a total of six local products, including olive oil, took their place among Ayvalık’s geographically indicated flavours.”
Registration Obstacle for Papalina…
“We also applied for a geographical indication for the papalina fish, one of the symbols of Ayvalık, but the application was not accepted on the grounds that the fish was mentioned under a different name in the literature. As long as we cannot use the name Papalina, this registration has no meaning. Unfortunately, we could not finalize this process.”
Goal: New Registrations for Ayvalık, the Appetizer (Delicatessen) Paradise
Highligting that geographical indication studies have been initiated for appetizers, which are an important part of Ayvalık cuisine, he added, “We want Ayvalık to become a brand in this area by registering one or two of our appetizers every year. This will both contribute to tourism and protect our cultural heritage.”
