According to 2021 Eurostat data, Geographical Indication (GI) products dominate a market valued at 200 billion Euros globally and 70 billion Euros in Europe, with the largest markets located in Singapore and the USA. Considering the significantly high market share within the EU as well, it is imperative for Turkey's geographical indication products to secure their place in this global arena.

In this regard, when Geographical Indications are effectively protected and supported by an efficient marketing network in our country, significant economic results are expected to be achieved.

When explained with international examples (Source: FAO, 2018):

Based on Sales Price

• Tête de Moine Cheese (Switzerland): Achieved a 4% increase in the domestic market and a 57% increase in the international market.
• Penja Pepper (Cameroon): Achieved a price increase of 120%.
• Taliouine Saffron (Morocco): Experienced a staggering 500% increase in value.

Based on Increases in Production Volume and Number of Producers

• Kona Coffee (USA): Achieved a 250% increase in production (1995–2015) and a 36% increase in the number of producers (1991–2012).
• Tête de Moine Cheese (Switzerland): Achieved a 300% increase in production volume (1986–2014).

In addition to their significant economic impacts, geographical indication products create added value, revitalize employment and production, preserve rural populations while preventing migration, and safeguard traditional knowledge and cultural values.

However, achieving these impacts is only possible by preventing product imitation and ensuring proper inspections in an environment where consumers can access reliable products. In this regard, the European Commission has enacted certain measures. Foremost among these is the prevention of product imitation on digital platforms and the mitigation of misleadingly acquired domain names or trademarks (See: European Commission, April 13, 2022, 'Geographical Indication Protection For Craft and Industrial Products and Amending').

On the other hand, in an increasingly globalized and digitized world, it is becoming progressively harder to clear food products of counterfeits. Considering that the vast majority of geographical indication products are agricultural or food-based, it has become much more critical for consumers to access reliable information regarding the product, its producer, and its cultural heritage. Consequently, leveraging developing technologies for this purpose has become inevitable.