Stating that they want to increase the awareness of the "Malatya Apricot" brand in the world market, Malatya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MTSO) Chairman Oğuzhan Ata Sadıkoğlu requested the use of the "Malatya Apricot" phrase and geographical indication logo in all apricot packages exported from exporters' associations.
A delegation consisting of sector board chairmen and board members of the Aegean Exporters' Associations, Southeastern Anatolia Exporters' Associations and Istanbul Exporters' Associations visited Malatya Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
A consultation meeting was held with the delegation welcomed by MTSO Chairman of the Board of Directors Oğuzhan Ata Sadıkoğlu and the board of directors of the chamber. The main agenda item of the meeting was the export figures of the province, especially Malatya Apricot.
Stating that the February 6 earthquakes had a negative impact on export figures, Mayor Sadıkoğlu said, "Malatya is a city with a strong production culture and a high entrepreneurial spirit. However, as you all know closely, we were one of the provinces that suffered the heaviest destruction in the February 6 earthquakes. Our commercial infrastructure was greatly damaged, we lost thousands of workplaces. Despite this, our business world did not give up on producing, providing employment and exporting. In such a difficult process, it is more important than ever for us to be able to keep our exports afloat, continue our production and reach new markets." he said.
"Call for EU registered Malatya apricot logo in export"
Emphasizing that apricot exports decreased due to the agricultural frost in 2025, Mayor Sadıkoğlu made a call to the delegation to protect the Malatya Apricot brand and said, "When Malatya is mentioned, the first product that comes to mind is, of course, apricot. We are the leader in the world's dried apricot production and export. However, due to the agricultural frost disaster we experienced last year, our apricot economy was greatly damaged. Hundreds of our sectors dependent on apricots were affected by this negativity. Despite this, our exporters made great sacrifices in order not to lose their markets and It tried to continue its exports with the products in stock. This year, we exported 47 thousand tons and provided our country with a foreign exchange income of 500 million dollars. However, according to the information we received from the field, we have carried out important activities to make our apricots a brand in the world market. "We have implemented certification activities. We will also have a request from you regarding this matter. We would be pleased if you ensure that the expression and logo of Malatya Apricot appears on the apricot packages registered to your union."
At the meeting, where other export items from Malatya were also mentioned, Mayor Sadıkoğlu said; "The export potential of our city is, of course, not limited only to apricots. We have production power in textile, food, machinery, metal, furniture and many other sectors. We need new markets, new collaborations and strong solidarity to further expand this potential. The knowledge, experience and international connections of our valuable exporter associations are very valuable for the Malatya business world. We attach importance to developing joint projects, transporting our members to new markets, organizing training programs and trade delegations. We believe that the way for Türkiye to achieve its export targets is in cities. "If a city becomes stronger, the region becomes stronger, and if the regions become stronger, Türkiye becomes stronger."
Şemsettin Bayram Özgür, Chairman of the Aegean Exporters' Association Sector Board, stated that apricot is one of the most important agricultural export products not only of Malatya but also of Türkiye in international markets. Stating that producers and exporters suffered significant losses due to the agricultural frost experienced in the past period, Özgür said that it is of great importance to protect export markets in this process. Emphasizing that public institutions, exporters' associations and sector representatives should act in cooperation in order to strengthen the apricot sector again, Özgür stated that they follow the activities carried out by the Malatya Chamber of Commerce and Industry with appreciation.
At the meeting, evaluations were also made on increasing Malatya's export potential, access of exporting companies to new markets, international fair organizations, branding activities and inter-sectoral cooperation opportunities. Participants exchanged views on developing joint projects to increase exports sustainably. - MALATYA