Turkey’s Malatya apricots get coveted EU geographical brand

ANKARA - Anadolu Agency

After a three-year wait, Turkey’s famous home-grown apricot has earned a coveted EU geographical indication, boosting hopes of bolstering the fruit’s export and marketing.

According to a statement on July 7 from the Customs and Trade Ministry, apricots produced in the eastern province of Malatya became the second Turkish product to get the EU designation after the Aegean fig.

“With the registration, Malatya’s apricots will be sold in European markets with an official EU geographical indication logo. This will protect it from fake products,” said Customs and Trade Minister Bülent Tüfenkci, adding that such registration helps unique products be marketed and advertised.

Last year Turkey exported $290.7 million in apricots, 90 percent of them from Malatya, according to Tüfenkci.