Turkish olive sector quality and infrastructure initiatives

Efforts to improve the quality and economic infrastructure of the Turkish olive sector have progressed through new warehousing and training initiatives.

In Ayvalık, a protocol was signed to establish the North Aegean Olive Oil Licensed Warehousing Facility. Supported by the South Marmara Development Agency and various regional chambers of commerce, the project involves an estimated 6 million USD investment to create a 6,000-ton storage capacity. The facility aims to enhance quality through standardized storage and provide producers with better financing options via the Electronic Product Receipt (ELÜS) system.

In Aydın, the Aydın Commodity Exchange launched an initiative to implement international standards for table olives. This included a three-day training program led by experts from Italy’s National Organization of Olive Oil Tasters (ONAOO) to train panelists in sensory characteristics and statistical evaluation. The exchange intends to leverage its technical infrastructure to achieve accreditation and increase the added value of regional production.