Ayvalık cooperative produces traditional tomato paste

In the Küçükköy neighborhood of Ayvalık, Balıkesir, the S. S. Ayvalık Üretim ve Pazarlama Kooperatifi is conducting traditional tomato paste production. The process relies on the labor of local women who select, wash, chop, and grate red tomatoes.

The tomatoes undergo a natural drying process under the North Aegean sun for several days to intensify their aroma and consistency. The cooperative maintains a balance between traditional methods and modern hygiene standards throughout the production cycle.

Once the paste reaches the desired consistency, it is manually bottled into half-liter and one-liter glass jars. Due to high consumer demand, the cooperative is increasing its production capacity annually, providing significant economic value through women's labor and strengthening the local economy.