Geographically Indicated Plum in Demirci Gains Value Through Drying

September 16, 2026 · GıdaTarım

In Manisa's Demirci district, the registered Figan-i Efendi Plum, with a 140-year history, has gained added value through drying, reaching a production of 30 tons.

In Manisa's Demirci district, the geographically indicated Figan-i Efendi Plum, whose production began with a single sapling brought from the Crimean Peninsula in 1886, is being transformed into an added-value product. This special product, with a history of approximately 140 years, has been increasingly dried and marketed in recent years due to the sensitivities and transportation issues encountered during fresh transport. According to producer Mustafa Kula, who markets organic agricultural products, the amount of dried plum reached 30 tons this year. The resulting products are offered for sale for 12 months of the year, driven by strong demand from both the domestic market and abroad.

Harvested fresh plums are individually cleaned and pitted by female workers under hygienic conditions. No chemical treatments or pesticides are applied during the processing. The plums are then left to dry in natural conditions for approximately 4 days on specially prepared drying racks. This traditional method extends the product's shelf life, eliminates transportation risks, and ensures the plum remains available in the market year-round. The drying process also opens up a significant income stream for local producers.

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