02.11.2024 Ayvalık / Balıkesir

The President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu attended the panel on Olive and Olive Oil Sector organized within the scope of the 19th Ayvalık International Olive Harvest and Tourism Festival held in Ayvalık.

Hisarcıklıoğlu thanked those who contributed to the important position of Ayvalık olive oil.

Stating that the olive tree lives for 1,000 years, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “This geography is the homeland of olives. We export olive oil to more than 100 countries. We also rank first in the world in table olive consumption. When it comes to olive oil consumption, we are far behind compared to other countries. We need to move this forward,” he said.

Hisarcıklıoğlu explained that olive oil consumption in Türkiye has recently increased with the Mediterranean-type diet and noted the following: “Olive oil consumption should not have a marketing problem. One of our goals should be to open up to the world. The way to this is through branding. Geographical indication was actually the first step. You took the first step. We have 3 olive oils and 3 olives registered in the EU. Once registered in the EU, you cannot use it under another name. I congratulate both Ayvalık Chamber of Commerce and Ali Uçar, the President of Ayvalık Chamber of Commerce, who acted properly.”

Referring to the Turkish Trade Center established by TOBB in Chicago, USA, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “If we know the value of our own land, we can tell the world about it. If you cannot brand, you cannot make money. E-commerce is a great chance, we should make use of it.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu also expressed his satisfaction that the school built by TOBB in Ayvalık will be put into service.

After the opening speech, Balıkesir Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Akın, Ayvalık Mayor Mesut Ergin and Ayvalık Chamber of Commerce President Ali Uçar presented a plaque to TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu for his participation in the panel.