Kars Cheese Boom: 19,000 Tons of Geographically‑Indicated Kaşar & Gravyer Secure EU Status

Kars’s famed kaşar and gravyer cheeses, with a yearly production of 19,000 tons, have gained a new value by securing EU geographical indication status.

Pastoral Roots: The Aromatic Genesis of Kars Cheese

The rich pastures and highlands of Kars, home to 12 endemic plant species and 70‑100 endemic varieties, infuse unique aromas into the milk of its 600 000 cows and 1 000 000 goats, processed by 66 registered dairy plants.

Numbers That Matter

■19 000 tons of kaşar‑gravyer production (2024)

■44 % of the region’s land is pasture and highland

■16 % of Turkish flora, over 1 600 wild plant species

■66 dairy and cheese production facilities

Strategic Significance: Geographical Indication & Market Expansion

Kars kaşar obtained its geographical indication in 2015, and gravyer followed in 2024. The EU application process is pivotal for international recognition and pricing.

Local Impact: Economic Ripple Across the Region

■Local producers maintain engin production capacity

■The region’s 44 % land productivity boosts milk output

■Geographical indication could raise export potential by 30‑40 %

Kars’s geographically‑indicated cheeses not only stimulate the local economy but also diversify Turkey’s food export portfolio, providing a competitive edge in European markets. Production volume and quality standards support long‑term price stability, while the rising brand value is expected to open new growth avenues for the sector.