Aydın Memecik Zeytini wins EU recognition
Producers of ‘Aydın Memecik Zeytini’ say granting the olive Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status has had a positive impact on sales.
Oil produced from this olive variety – known as ‘Aydın Memecik Zeytinyağı’ - also has the EU’s PDO.
The olive is the fifth product grown in the Aydın province that obtained the EU’s GI registration, after Aydın İnciri (fig), Aydın Kestanesi (chestnut), Aydın Memecik Zeytinyağı (olive oil), and Söke Pamuğu (cotton).
Aydın Memecik Zeytini, a table olive, is a large, oval variety. There is a small protrusion at the tip of the fruit.
This olive is classified as green, pink, and black depending on the maturity of the raw olives. The green and pink olives are harvested before winter, the black ones are gathered during late winter months.
When using the natural fermentation process, the olives are treated with dry salt, brine or simply water. Alkaline solution is used in other fermentation processes.
EUROPEAN UNION, 2025
There is a small protrusion at the tip of the fruit
Over many years, olive producers in Aydın have turned wild olive trees into the prized Memecik variety. They do this by grafting branches onto wild trees, especially in the region’s mountainous areas. The farmers have in-depth knowledge of grafting wild olive trees, picking the fruit by hand at the right time, depending on the variety.
The EU supports the preservation of the name Aydın Memecik Zeytini by registering it as a Protected Designation of Origin, recognising its specific characteristics linked to the region's environment and traditional cultivation methods. This registration also aims to increase the economic value of the product for local producers.
EUROPEAN UNION, 2025
Ambassador Thomas Ossowski, the Head of the Delegation of the EU to Türkiye
The Head of the Delegation of the EU to Türkiye, Ambassador Thomas Ossowski, states: “I congratulate the province of Aydın, which has five products with the EU's Geographical Indication. I hope that Aydın will encourage the other provinces. EU recognition plays a crucial role in raising the prestige of products such as this olive, both in Türkiye and in Europe. With the PDO logo, producers have better market opportunities and consumers know they are getting the real Aydın Memecik Zeytini when they see the logo.”
Fevzi Çondur, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Aydın Commodity Exchange, the applicant institution, reflects:
“Geographical indications reflect the unique agro-ecological and cultural heritage of a region, while at the same time providing significant economic benefits to producers. The EU registration of Aydın Memecik Zeytini will increase their export potential, global recognition, and consumer demand. This is not just a win for Aydın, but a big step forward for Türkiye's agricultural heritage and local values. We’ll continue to work to protect our traditional methods and register more of our products worldwide, making Türkiye a name associated with quality.”
EUROPEAN UNION, 2025
Fevzi Çondur, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Aydın Commodity Exchange
Olive producer Betül Er states: “Our olive was known abroad, but the EU registration will increase its recognition. We believe that after the EU registration, the demand for our product from abroad and our sales will increase.”
Another producer, Halil İbrahim Durur, says: “Aydın Memecik zeytini is a world-class olive unique to the Aegean region. I believe that with the EU’s registration, it will get the value it deserves both in the world and Turkish market.”
Producer, Dursun Ertürk, reflects: “I think, with the EU registration, Aydın Memecik Zeytini will increase its recognition both in Türkiye and Europe. As a producer, I am pleased.”
EUROPEAN UNION, 2025
The EU has awarded PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI status to the following products from Türkiye: Antep Baklavası/Gaziantep Baklavası, Aydın Kestanesi, Aydın İnciri, Bayramiç Beyazı, Malatya Kayısısı, Milas Zeytinyağı, Taşköprü Sarımsağı, Giresun Tombul Fındığı, Antakya Künefesi, Suruç Narı, Çağlayancerit Cevizi, Gemlik Zeytini, Edremit Zeytinyağı, Milas Yağlı Zeytini, Ayaş Domatesi, Edremit Körfezi Yeşil Çizik Zeytini, Maraş Tarhanası, Ezine Peyniri, Safranbolu Safranı, Aydın Memecik Zeytinyağı, Araban Sarımsağı, Bingöl Balı, Osmaniye Yer Fıstığı, Bursa Şeftalisi, Hüyük Çileği, Bursa Siyah İnciri/Bursa Siyahı, Söke Pamuğu, Manisa Mesir Macunu, Gaziantep Menengiç Kahvesi / Gaziantep Melengiç Kahvesi, Silifke Yoğurdu, Aydın Memecik Zeytini, Aydın Çam Fıstığı, Afyon Pastırması, Afyon Sucuğu, and Gaziantep Fıstık Ezmesi.
