The Turkish Institute of Patents will protect the satsuma mandarins growing in the region as "Seferihisar mandarins” as geographical indication. Seferihisar Municipality applied for the registration of Seferihisar’s satsuma mandarins in 2013. Seferihisar Mayor Tunç Soyer said the geographical indication would create value for the community by increased local and international sales.
The Turkish Institute of Patents sent a report to the municipality including the description and the distinctive characteristics of Seferihisar’s mandarins:
"The mandarin farming in Seferihisar started with the plantation of 600 satsuma mandarin trees in 1953. In the following decades, the district has been a pioneer in mandarin production and export. As to mention the distinctive specifications of Seferihisar mandarins: The rind is thin and smooth, the membrane is thin, has a round but flattened shape of the satsuma mandarins, its taste and aroma are delicate and preferred by the customers. Seferihisar is open to southern winds and protected on the northern side, which allows the accumulation of humidity. High humidity causes the satsuma mandarins grow thinner skins and the fruit loses the full round shape. Both of these conditions made the mandarins of the area a favored product at the local and international markets. Unlike the other mandarin varieties, Seferihisar’s mandarins yellow on the tree. Every year before the harvest, a festival is being organized for the promotion of the mandarins. The juice of the mandarins is distributed in the district schools; an organic village, organic producer market and online market has been established for the presentation of the mandarins."
The mandarins produced in Seferihisar will have to include geographical indication tags. Seferihisar Municipality will coordinate the supervisions to check whether the mandarins are produced according to the regulations stated at the certificate of registry.