Kars applies for EU geographical indication status for kashar

KARS

Each year, the eastern province of Kars yields 19,000 tons of its signature ‘kashar’ and ‘gruyere’ cheeses.

Approximately 19,000 metric tons of “Kars kashar” and “gruyere cheeses” are produced annually in Kars, one of Türkiye’s leading dairy-producing regions known for its vast pastures, rich vegetation and strong livestock industry.

The province is home to 66 dairy processing facilities that manufacture milk and dairy products. Provincial teams from the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry continue to inspect production facilities to enhance the brand value of Kars kashar and gruyere while also overseeing the application process for EU geographical indication (GI) status for Kars kashar.

Enver Aydın, provincial director of agriculture and forestry, said that Kars’ meadows and highland pastures are home to more than 1,600 species of wild plants. Of these, 70 to 100 species are endemic, while 12 are endemic species found only in Kars.

“The aromatic characteristics of these endemic plants, which contain proteins, fats and essential oils, are transferred to the milk produced by animals grazing naturally on our pastures,” Aydın said.

“That milk is then used to produce kashar and gruyere cheeses, making them among Türkiye’s most valuable and distinctive dairy products.”

Aydın said Kars is one of Türkiye’s leading production centers for kashar and gruyere.

“At the same time, we are carrying out various initiatives to ensure Kars kashar and gruyere receive the brand recognition and market value they deserve,” he said.

“Our teams conduct regular inspections of production facilities, checking hygiene standards, quality criteria and compliance with geographical indication requirements.”

Aydın said Kars kashar received a Turkish geographical indication registration in 2015, helping preserve the cheese’s traditional production methods and distinctive characteristics. Kars gruyere was also granted a Turkish geographical indication registration in 2024.

With officials aiming to increase its international recognition, the province applied for EU geographical indication status for Kars kashar, signing the protocol last month.

If approved, it will become the first-ever local product originating from Kars to receive direct EU Geographical Indication status.