The international trade potential of products with georaphical indications in Turkey

It is widely known that a significant income is obtained from the international trade of the products with geographical indications (GI) and this income is increasing every year. Therefore, the market for GI products does not remain on a local basis but exhibits a remarkable growth on a global scale. Due to Turkey's ancient history and hosting many different cultures in a single geography, Turkey is in a remarkable position in terms of variety of GI products. The aim of this study is to reveal the situation of the GI product potential that has been and will possibly be subject to foreign trade in Turkey. In this regard, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 26 GI registrants, 70 GI producers, exporters' associations, and other stakeholders by using the Tracer Method, which is one of the qualitative research methods. As a result of the research, it has been determined that Turkey has an export income of approximately 1 billion 821 million dollars from its GI products in 2019. Moreover, the highest share in the export income was determined as Manisa Sultani Seedless Grape, Malatya Apricot and Giresun Hazelnut, which are CI products. The USA, Germany and France have been identified as the top exporters of Turkey's GI products. It has been also revealed that GI products' approximate foreign trade data between 2010-2020, the registrant's relationship with the international trade of the GI product and problems encountered while doing foreign trade of the GI product. Finally, suggestions are given on how to overcome these problems and how to develop the potential of the products in international trade.