25.03.2026 18:42
Kayseri pastrami has documented its quality by receiving a geographical indication from the European Union. The local tradespeople believe that this certification will increase sales and enhance the product's recognition.
The registration of Kayseri pastrami by the European Union (EU) has pleased the local tradespeople who believe that it will standardize quality and increase sales.
KAYSERİ PASTRAMI RECEIVED EU REGISTRATION
Known for its outer layer coated with special fenugreek, its characteristic red color, unique production technique, and aroma, Kayseri pastrami has become the 46th geographical indication product from Turkey to receive EU registration.
TRADESPEOPLE ARE HAPPY
With this registration, unfair use of the name Kayseri pastrami in EU countries will be prevented, imitation productions will be curtailed, and processed meat products will be perceived as a potential guarantee by the countries to which they are exported. The local tradespeople, who have been waiting for this good news for a long time, believe that the recognition of Kayseri pastrami will further increase with the geographical indication registration.
Mustafa Tokluman, who has been a tradesman in the city for 36 years, told AA reporter that the registration of Kayseri pastrami as a geographical indication will increase its sales both domestically and internationally.
"IT WILL HAVE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION"
Tokluman stated that expatriates will be very pleased with this situation and said: "We deserve this. I wish all the best for Kayseri. When pastrami is mentioned, Kayseri comes to mind. What is rightful has found its place. This registration will certainly have an advantage. Rather than just putting a diploma or a document aside, in the future, in line with Turkey's EU openings, this product will have an extraordinary benefit for both our hometown and Turkey. Especially during the winter season, citizens coming from Georgia, Ukraine, Russia, Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania know pastrami. I hope that in the next 5-6 years, its contribution will be much greater. I believe that with the opening of the European door, it will have a significant contribution to all of Turkey."
"NO MATTER HOW MUCH THEY OBJECT, WE WON OUR CASES"
Adem Karaca, who has been selling pastrami in the city for 45 years, stated that the Kayseri Chamber of Commerce fought hard on this issue. He expressed that as a result of this struggle, Kayseri pastrami received geographical indication and noted:
"Receiving the registration is a proud event. No matter how much they object, we won our cases. I wish all the best for Kayseri. Our citizens will also be able to buy more easily and take it to the countries they live in. Prices will not change just because we received the document. Only when meat prices change will there be a change in pastrami prices. There is a lot of demand from abroad. Due to the ban, they could not take it to their countries. Our product is free; everyone can eat it with peace of mind. This registration has given us trust and quality. It has been stated to everyone that the homeland of pastrami is Kayseri as a geographical indication."
Karaca emphasized that the interest of tourists will increase and that there will no longer be any substandard products.
Karaca explained that what makes Kayseri pastrami stand out is the hand-cutting, saying, "Secondly, we say 'a wind blowing from Erciyes' here. Due to the wind, the drying system is better here. Evliya Çelebi also mentioned in his Travelogue, 'The homeland of pastrami and sucuk is Kayseri,' he wrote."