Protecting local values and integrating them into development within the global economy has become an indispensable element of sustainable development policies. In this context, geographical indications (GIs) hold strategic importance in both preserving cultural heritage and supporting rural development. As consumers around the world increasingly prioritize the authenticity and origin of products, products with geographical indications are emerging as a means of differentiation in the market.
In line with these developments, events organized to increase the international visibility of geographical indications offer important platforms for stakeholders to collaborate. One of these events, the oriGIn GIS EXPO, will be held in Morelia, Mexico, in 2025 and will bring together geographical indication registrants, producer associations, cooperatives, SMEs, and policymakers from around the world.
oriGIn (Organization for an International Geographical Indications Network), an international organization dedicated to strengthening geographical indication systems worldwide, enhancing the capacity of producer organizations, and increasing the visibility of local values in the international market.
The biennial oriGIn Biennial Meetings serve as a global forum for sharing experiences on geographical indication systems, developing policy recommendations, and establishing multi-actor collaborations. The GIs EXPO, organized as part of the oriGIn Biennial in 2025, will bring these collaborations to the field and facilitate the establishment of concrete economic and cultural connections.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the International GIs EXPO is the free booth space offered to participants, allowing them to directly promote geographically indicated products. This practice represents a significant opportunity, particularly for producer cooperatives, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and rural registrants with limited marketing budgets. The event provides a platform where participants can showcase their products to both global buyers and decision-makers, establish new trade relationships, and develop branding strategies.
Morelia, where the event will be held, is located in the Mexican state of Michoacán and is home to significant geographical indications. In this context, this region, known for its GI products such as Cobre Martillado (hammered copper) and Charanda (a local drink made from sugar cane), also holds symbolic significance in hosting the event. Hosting the event in Latin America is important for highlighting diverse regional dynamics and experiences on the global stage, beyond the European-centric GI systems.
From Turkey’s perspective, events like GIs EXPO offer a strategic opportunity to internationalize national geographical indication policies and increase the recognition of Turkish GI products in the global market. While Türkiye’s nearly 1,500 registered geographical indications, both registered and in the application phase, contribute to local development, their export potential is still underutilized.
In this context, international platforms like EXPO open important doors for registrants, particularly for agricultural and food products, to expand into new markets, establish direct contact with potential importers, and develop joint promotional strategies.
Furthermore, through panels, workshops, and presentations held during the fair, a multifaceted environment for information sharing and interaction will be created among producer organizations, exporters, public officials, and academics. This environment will contribute to both the sharing of best practices and the design of more inclusive and producer-friendly regulations by policymakers.
Facilitating access to such events, particularly for women’s cooperatives, rural development-focused initiatives, and local producers, is also crucial for gender equality and inclusion. While the membership-based model pursued by oriGIn aims to ensure fair representation within the framework of specific criteria, it is recommended that additional support mechanisms be developed to ensure more active participation by developing countries.
Consequently, geographical indications are not only economic instruments but also driving elements of cultural sustainability and local development. In this context, the GIs EXPO, organized by oriGIn, offers a multifaceted platform for interaction by bringing together all actors within the GI ecosystem. The event enables the sharing of knowledge, experience, and vision across a wide spectrum, from producers and policymakers to consumers and academics, strengthening the presence of local products in the global market.
For developing countries with GI systems like Turkey, the GIs EXPO is not only a promotional opportunity but also a strategic tool for capacity building, international cooperation, and shaping export visions. Increasing participation in such events will facilitate the integration of not only products but also producers, cooperatives, and rural communities into the global value chain. In this context, carefully monitoring the outcomes of oriGIn GIs EXPO, integrating good practices into local policies, and strengthening Turkey’s representation in international GI platforms are of great importance for both economic and socio-cultural development.
Sources
oriGIn (2025). “GIs EXPO 2025 – General Information.” https://www.origin-gi.com
FAO (2022). “Strengthening sustainable food systems through geographical indications.”
WIPO (2023). “Geographical Indications: An Introduction.”
Avrupa Komisyonu (2024). “GIview Database.” https://www.tmdn.org/giview/
Türk Patent ve Marka Kurumu (2025). “Coğrafi İşaretler Veritabanı.” https://www.turkpatent.gov.tr
Çakmak, E. & Şahin, E. (2023). “Coğrafi İşaretlerin Kırsal Kalkınma Üzerindeki Etkileri.” Anadolu Üniversitesi Yayınları.
She graduated from Çankaya University Faculty of Law in 2005. In the same year, she completed her master’s degree in Constitutional Law at Çankaya University, Department of Public Law. Until 2011, she worked as an ODY-ÜDY Instructor at Vocational Training Centers affiliated with the Ministry of Transport. For approximately 15 years, she has been working as a legal expert at the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB). Initially, she was involved in Foreign Trade and International Logistics at TOBB and represented the United Nations for nearly seven years. She is currently serving as a legal expert in the SME Policies Directorate within the TOBB Department of Real Sector R&D and Implementation.
Meanwhile, she is working on completing her doctoral dissertation in Administrative Law at Gazi University, Department of Public Law-Administrative Law. After completing her thesis on TOBB, which is recognized by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) in Turkey, she plans to publish it as a book.
Additionally, since 2023, she has been writing columns in the London section of “DÜNDAR HUKUK” and “DÜNDAR LEGAL SERVICE CONSULTANCY,” which have established themselves internationally, particularly in the field of energy and renewable energy.