EU adds traditional Greek and Turkish products to PDO registry
- Bereket Döners presented a study defending döner kebab's status as a traditional Turkish food following Germany's objection to Turkey's application.
- The academic research cites historical artifacts and documents supporting the cultural significance of döner in Turkish and European culinary traditions.
- The company's initiatives aim to promote unity through culinary heritage while expanding its brand in major European cities.
On December 5, 2024, in Istanbul, Turkey, Bereket Döners held a press conference to advocate for the recognition of döner kebab as a traditional product by the European Union. This initiative follows Germany's objections to Turkey's application for such recognition. Bereket Döners presented an academic study that includes historical evidence countering these objections, underscoring the cultural significance of döner in Turkish history and its connections to Europe. Vice Chairman Mevlüt Ceyhun Tekdemir stated the research demonstrates the deep roots of döner in Turkish culture, referring to historical figures and documents from the Classical Ottoman Period to support their claims. The study aims to showcase döner as a cultural connector that unites diverse communities. In conjunction with this advocacy, Bereket Döners plans to expand its Döners Point brand throughout Europe, starting with Germany. The company seeks to introduce authentic Turkish döner to European palates while emphasizing its importance as a cultural treasure. Their message promotes unity through food, asserting that döner represents a culinary tradition that fosters intercultural understanding and appreciation. These efforts reflect a broader mission to preserve Turkish cultural heritage and dispel misconceptions surrounding its origins in light of existing geopolitical tensions that influence food recognition in the EU.