As the olive oil sector experiences a “low-yield year” marked by a 40 percent decline in production, Ayvalık Olive Oil is entering a new era focused on branding and technology. Ali Uçar, Chairman of the Ayvalık Chamber of Commerce, shared critical remarks set to shape the future of the sector, ranging from the QR code system launched to prevent counterfeiting and adulteration to targets for packaged exports.
The Sector’s Showcase: The Heritage of 250-Year-Old Olive Trees
Ayvalık stands as one of the key hubs of olive oil production in Türkiye, with a total of 2.2 million olive trees. Of this number, 1.18 million consist of centuries-old trees over 250 years of age, elevating the region’s production quality beyond international standards.
Highlighting the position of Ayvalık Olive Oil within the sector, Ali Uçar, Chairman of the Ayvalık Chamber of Commerce, stated: “With its brand value and number of brands, Ayvalık represents the showcase of the olive oil sector. The place we need to be abroad is on restaurant tables, presented with quality. In olive oil, which is one of Türkiye’s traditional values, sectoral growth is not possible without protecting producers, ensuring sustainable exports and strengthening the value chain. First and foremost, we call on all relevant institutions to stand alongside producers and support branding.”
A New Era of “Reliable Digital Monitoring” with QR Codes
A digital mobilisation has been launched in Ayvalık to combat counterfeiting and adulteration, one of the sector’s most significant challenges. Within the scope of the “Organic Olive Village” project carried out in cooperation with the Balıkesir Provincial Directorate of Agriculture, the entire journey of the product from field to table is being made transparent.
Sharing details of the new system, Uçar stated: “The primary need here is the integration of ‘reliable digital monitoring and identity verification’ components. Within the Ayvalık district, a three-year ‘Organic Olive Village’ project has been prepared for the pilot areas of Mutluköy and Murateli rural neighbourhoods, focusing on organic olive oil production under the coordination of the Balıkesir Provincial Directorate of Agriculture. The system is designed to ensure parcel-based traceability linked to the Farmer Registration System. Once the QR code application is implemented, information such as the producer’s identity, the orchard where the olives were harvested, harvest timing, analysis results, sensory analysis verification, control of the geographical indication by the relevant authority, and whether the product is genuine Ayvalık Olive Oil will be instantly accessible.”
Decline in Harvest, Strategic Expectations for Exports
While a 40 percent decline in harvest is expected for the 2025–2026 season, rising costs are increasing pressure on producers. However, expectations of an “on year” for the 2026–2027 season are creating a sense of optimism across the sector.
Sharing his projections on export potential, Ali Uçar stated: “Depending on external and target markets, the upcoming period could become an opportunity year for exports, similar to the 2022–2023 season. If efforts are directed toward foreign markets, exports could reach between 700 and 800 million dollars. However, without increasing the share of packaged product exports, achieving the expected added value will remain difficult.”
Price Stability Through Licensed Warehousing
The 6,000-ton “Northern Aegean Olive Oil Licensed Warehousing” initiative, implemented under the coordination of the South Marmara Development Agency, aims to prevent price fluctuations in the market.
Noting that the European Union geographical indication registration process is also ongoing, Uçar made the following remarks: “Counterfeiting and adulteration are the greatest threats to the brand value and added value we are striving to build. An urgent solution must be found to this issue. We are carrying out joint efforts with relevant institutions on these matters. In addition, as the Ayvalık Chamber of Commerce, we are working to complete the European Union geographical indication registration process for Ayvalık Olive Oil as soon as possible. In particular, the licensed warehousing system will enable the planned supply of products to the domestic market, contribute to price stability, and allow exporters easier access to traceable and high-quality products. This system will also play a critical role in preventing speculative movements in the market.”
FUAR HABER ONLINE