15.11.2024 Aydın Memecik Zeytini, which was applied for by the Aydın Commodity Exchange, has been announced in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Aydın Memecik Zeytini, which was applied for by the Aydın Commodity Exchange on November 12, 2021, with the PDO-TR-02813 reference number for geographical indication protection, successfully completed the application process and was published in the Official Journal of the European Commission on November 15, 2024, under the reference C/2024/6963.
Fevzi Çondur Chairman of the Aydın Commodity Exchange, stated that the Exchange has achieved successful results in its efforts to brand agricultural values unique to the Aydın province. Mr. Çondur made a statement regarding the announcement of the Aydın Memecik Zeytini in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Mr. Çondur said, “Geographical indications are highly valuable because they reflect the specific agro-ecological and cultural characteristics of a region. Additionally, they play an important role in transferring local products to the national level, adding value to rural products, and increasing income for producers. After the Aydın Kestanesi, Aydın Exchange has also facilitated the registration of Aydın Memecik Zeytinyağı in the European Union. We are focusing more on geographical indication efforts in the European Union to ensure the international recognition of Aydın’s agricultural values. Aydın Memecik Zeytini, for which we have applied, has now been announced in the Official Journal of the European Union for registration. After the three-month objection period, Aydın Memecik Zeytini will receive its EU certification.”
Mr.Çondur stated, “With the European Union geographical indication, we will protect Aydın Memecik Zeytini from imitation and introduce it to the world, adding value to our province’s economy. I would like to express my gratitude to Huriye Özener, who provided consultancy during the European Union application process for Aydın Memecik Zeytini; Prof. Dr. Engin Ertan from the Department of Horticultural Plants, Faculty of Agriculture, Aydın Adnan Menderes University; our Union President, Mr. M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu and everyone who contributed. I wish this success will bring prosperity to our Exchange members and our province.”
Aydın Memecik Zeytini, in addition to being used as table olives, is also involved in olive oil production. Due to its specific characteristics and bitterness, Aydın Memecik Zeytini cannot be consumed raw without processing. The key factors in determining the fruit’s characteristics and caloric value include its oil content, the amount of fatty acids, and phenolic compounds. Compared to other olives in the region, Aydın Memecik Zeytini has higher levels of phenolic components, such as luteolin-7-glucoside, rutin, trans-cinnamic acid, cyanidin-3-glucoside, and cyanidin-3-rutinoside. Additionally, bitterness is a distinguishing feature often mentioned by Aydın Memecik Zeytini consumers, which is due to the high polyphenol content found in green, pink, and black olives.
