Ardahan Chamber of Commerce addresses regional cheese dispute

The Ardahan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ATSO) has issued a statement regarding the ongoing dispute between Erzurum and Ardahan over regional string cheese. ATSO emphasized that local products should not become a source of competition or polarization between the two neighboring cities.

The Chamber noted that Hanak String Cheese is officially registered with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office under a protected designation of origin, rather than a mere indication of source. This registration, dated March 25, 2024, mandates that no cheese produced outside of Hanak may use the name or its associated emblem. ATSO stated it will strictly enforce legal and administrative rights against any imitation or misleading use of the product name.

ATSO called for the issue to be handled through objective and historical facts to avoid unnecessary division between the cities, reaffirming its commitment to protecting and promoting Ardahan's unique gastronomic values.