Use of Geographical Indications and Quality Management System Practices in Apricot Operators: The Case of Malatya Apricot

Abstract

The geographical indication system enables local producers to promote and market their products, while also creating a quality and trust effect that allows consumers to purchase these products with confidence. However, for this system to function effectively, the actors producing and marketing geographically indicated products need to address their production methods, quality control processes, and distribution strategies with a holistic approach. This study examines the use of "Malatya Apricot," which has geographical indication registration in Türkiye and the European Union, in apricot processing plants, along with quality management system applications. Variables related to businesses using and not using geographical indications were analysed using multiple correspondence analysis. A survey was conducted in 80 apricot processing operators in Malatya, selected using proportional sampling. According to the findings, 47.50% of the businesses use geographical indications, while 52.50% do not. In contrast, the percentage of apricot businesses possessing quality certificates was found to be 83.75%. According to the results of the multiple correspondence analysis, operators holding quality certification are positioned within the same pattern and in close proximity to operators not using the geographical indication. Moreover, these operators exhibit a higher tendency to conduct laboratory analyses both prior to raw material procurement and prior to the marketing of the final product. These findings from the research indicate that managing quality management systems in conjunction with the use of geographical indications can strengthen the geographical indication mechanism.