As the Edirne Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we have taken a significant step to ensure that Edirne White Cheese, one of the most valuable pieces of our city's cultural heritage, receives the international recognition it deserves. This special product, registered with a geographical indication in Turkey in 2004, was officially registered with the number PDO-TR-03390 following an application submitted to the European Commission on December 26, 2024. This registration not only protects a product but also paves the way for a wider appreciation of Edirne's rich gastronomic heritage worldwide.
Edirne White Cheese possesses a distinctive flavor and quality thanks to centuries-old traditional production methods and the region's unique climatic conditions. This unique heritage, dating back to the Ottoman Empire, has become a significant asset that promotes our city not only nationally but also globally. With its registration with the EU Commission, this valuable product will provide sustainable income for our producers and contribute significantly to Edirne's economic development.
This application, made under the leadership of our Chamber, is the first application from our country to the European Union Commission in the cheese category within the scope of the European Union Commission's regulation number 2024/1143 on quality plans for agricultural products and foodstuffs, which entered into force on 13 May 2024.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all our stakeholders who contributed to this success, especially our cheese producers and our Geographical Indication Consultant, Huriye Özener, and our entire team. Our efforts will continue to expand Edirne White Cheese's reach in the international market. This registration represents a critical milestone for the future of our city's geographically indicated products, and as the Edirne Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we will continue to support them with determination to achieve even greater success at the national and international levels while preserving our regional values.
