05.11.2017 Ayvalık
TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, participating in the 13th Ayvalık International Olive Harvest Days program, stated that Ayvalık olive oil received its geographical marker thanks to Ayvalık Chamber of Commerce, “Now it has begun to register in Europe. Ayvalık Olive Oil will be a brand in Europe. We will render all support in this endeavor. I believe that thanks to the hard work of our municipality and our chamber, Ayvalık’s world famous olive oil will reach the point it deserves.”
TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that this is very
important for, the Ayvalık, the district and the national economy.
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that there are three products that prolong human life, “All
three of these grow in Turkey; Olives, nuts and grapes. But we still do not give
them the attention they deserve.”
- We must increase consumption of
olive oil
TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that the olive is very popular in
Turkey, referring to reaching the highest export figure in the last 4 seasons.
Hisarcıklıoğlu, stating that Turkey is in first place in consumption of table
olives in the world, said, “But we are lagging very much in the consumption of
olive oil compared to other producer countries. Our neighbor Greece’s
consumption per capita is about 20 liters. For us, it's about 2 liters. For
example, if we can get it to 5 liters, the marketing problem of olive oil will
have solved itself. Ayvalık, with 13 years of terrific performance shows vision.
Here, Ayvalık both promotes olive oil and also spreads olive oil culture.
Thanks to your great efforts, per capita income has increased 20 times in 13
years, reaching 2 liters. Let's also assume that this number is raised by the residents
of the Aegean Region. In today's Mediterranean-style diet, this consumption has
to be much higher. On the other hand, the goal is now to open up to the world.
That's the way to become a brand. The geographical marker was the first step. I
hope you will do more. There is everything here; Allah has given you
everything. Ayvalık is a city of peace and tolerance with world famous olive
and olive oil.”
- Branding emphasis
“Ayvalik olive oil is suitable both for oil production and for table consumption.
Everything you produce is also famous; You have the Ayvalık toast, curd dessert,
gummy ice cream. Plenty of tourism potential. You have 22 islands. Cunda, Sarımsaklı,
Altınova are here. Ayvalık is the world's longest sandy beach. With its
architectural and unique historical texture, Ayvalık is a tourism paradise.
Make the place you live, the product you produce, the country you live in a brand.
You are already doing important work in order to make Ayvalık a brand. You brought
the Kırlangıç Olive Oil factory project to life, turning it into a center
where the city can breathe. Ayvalık Mayor and the Ayvalık Chamber Chair have
set a common goal; Ayvalık will be on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List.
As long as you have this perseverance and unity, I am confident that you
will accomplish this as well. Ayvalık is already among the 5 most livable
provinces in Turkey. The highest quality and delicious olive oil is produced in
Ayvalık, 60% of its arable land is olive groves. So, we all know Ayvalık value.
We will protect Ayvalık, nature and the olive trees.”
- Domestic car
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the road to the domestic automobile was
opened up with five great entrepreneurs plendging their goal to make it a
reality and said that this project is a part of raising the national income
from 10,000 USD to 25,000 USD. Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “It will be prototyped in
2019; production will be in 2021. This is one of the most important projects in
Turkey.”
- Promise of a school for Ayvalık
Ayvalık Chamber of Commerce President Benhan İbrahim Kantarcı and council
members requested a high school for the county from Hisarcıklıoğlu. TOBB
President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu promised to build a school in Ayvalık after
the schools to be built in 81 provinces.