The designation ‘Hüyük Çileği’ denotes a particular type of strawberry recently granted Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status by the European Union (EU). Hüyük Çileği represents the first strawberry from Türkiye and the first product from the Konya province to receive this important recognition from the EU.
The EU’s recognition of this strawberry as a PDO restricts the use of the name ‘Hüyük Çileği’ to specific products that possess characteristics directly linked to their geographical area of production, along with the traditional expertise involved in their cultivation, thereby increasing the economic value of the product for local producers.
This strawberry is medium to large, well-shaped, bright red to light red inside and out. The flesh is medium firm, fresh and juicy. It has an aromatic smell and delicious taste.
It is grown in the Hüyük district of the Konya province in southwestern central Türkiye. The microclimate created by Lake Beyşehir, along with the surrounding mountains, meets the temperature, humidity, rainfall, sunlight, and cooling requirements of this strawberry while also protecting it from frost damage.
Ambassador Thomas Ossowski, the Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye
The Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye, Ambassador Thomas Ossowski, says: “The EU’s PDO and PGI registrations play a crucial role in enhancing the prestige of these products, such as this strawberry. With the EU logos, we not only ensure that these treasures are protected from fraud, but we also offer consumers the assurance of authenticity and quality with every purchase marked with the PDO logo. By opening up different market opportunities, we contribute to the economic empowerment of producers.”
Mehmet Bilgin, President of the Hüyük Organic Strawberry Producers Association, the applicant institution, reflects: “We are delighted. With the EU granting PDO status, our strawberry will be better known in Europe. The producers will earn more. This development will contribute greatly to our regional economy.”
Mehmet Bilgin, President of the Hüyük Organic Strawberry Producers Association
Strawberry producer İlkay Ceylan states: “I believe that with the EU’s PDO, reverse migration from the city to the village will increase, leading to a rise in strawberry production. Producers will earn more, our product will gain greater recognition, and our district will experience economic growth.”
Another producer, Yavuz Gümüş, says: “With EU’s registration, I expect exports to increase and the market to expand.”
Yet another producer, Mustafa Erdoğan, reflects: “I believe that with the EU’s registration, more investment will flow into the province, leading to further development.”
The EU has awarded PDO or PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status to the following products from Türkiye: Antep Baklavası/Gaziantep Baklavası, Aydın Kestanesi, Aydın İnciri, Bayramiç Beyazı, Malatya Kayısısı, Milas Zeytinyağı, Taşköprü Sarımsağı, Giresun Tombul Fındığı, Antakya Künefesi, Suruç Narı, Çağlayancerit Cevizi, Gemlik Zeytini, Edremit Zeytinyağı, Milas Yağlı Zeytini, Ayaş Domatesi, Edremit Körfezi Yeşil Çizik Zeytini, Maraş Tarhanası, Ezine Peyniri, Safranbolu Safranı, Aydın Memecik Zeytinyağı, Araban Sarımsağı, Bingöl Balı, Osmaniye Yer Fıstığı, Bursa Şeftalisi, Hüyük Çileği, Bursa Siyah İnciri/Bursa Siyahı, Söke Pamuğu, and Manisa Mesir Macunu.
