Türkiye is home to the first cotton granted Protected Geographical Indication status
The EU supports the preservation of the name ‘Söke Pamuğu’ by registering it as a PGI, recognising its special characteristics tied to the region’s environment and its traditional cultivation methods. This registration also aims to enhance the product’s economic value for local producers.
EUROPEAN UNION, 2025
Söke Pamuğu has a lustrous appearance and long fibres
Söke Pamuğu, grown in the Söke district of Aydın province, has a lustrous appearance and long fibres. The yarn made from this cotton is both fine and durable. The quality parameters of cotton, such as colour, are more influenced by environmental conditions and cultivation techniques than by the genetic structure of the variety. The outstanding quality of the Söke Pamuğu is closely linked to the soil structure and microclimate of the Söke district.
Cotton production has a long tradition in the Söke district. Cotton has been grown in the district since 1700. So much so that, in the 1830s, the sails of Ottoman ships were woven with yarn produced from Söke Pamuğu.
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: “It is a great honour that the first PGI registration for cotton has been awarded to a product from Türkiye. The EU’s recognition plays a crucial role in enhancing the prestige of products, such as this cotton. With the PGI logo, Söke Pamuğu producers will have enhanced market opportunities and therefore gain more economic power. The PGI logo will help protect this cotton from fraud, and the consumers will know they are receiving the genuine Söke Pamuğu when they see the logo.”
Nejat Sağel, the President of the Söke Commodity Exchange, the applicant institution, reflects:
“Söke Pamuğu’s commitment to environmentally friendly production methods and sustainability, especially with the EU registration, will create great confidence in the eyes of international consumers and business partners. We aim to ensure that Söke Pamuğu obtains the value it deserves worldwide and to establish our region as a leading centre for agriculture.”
EUROPEAN UNION, 2025
Nejat Sağel, the President of the Söke Commodity Exchange
Cotton producer Merve Saplı states: “The next stage after cotton production is the transformation of cotton into yarn. At this stage, the EU’s registration will make Söke Pamuğu cotton preferable for yarn manufacturers. Our product will be more recognised in multiple markets.”
Another producer, Hüsnü Tuntaş, says: “The EU’s registration is crucial for us. With this registration our cotton will gain global recognition, making marketing easier and increasing earnings for producers.”
Yet another producer, Adil Candal, reflects: “Cotton farming in Söke is very professional. The EU logo will increase both the quality of the product and the global recognition of Söke Pamuğu.”
EUROPEAN UNION, 2025
The EU has awarded PDO or PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) 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 and Aydın Memecik Zeytini.
