Munzur honey, a geographically indicated product from the mountainous region of Tunceli in eastern Türkiye, has won a gold medal in the quality category at the London International Honey Awards under the brand name “Iksor.” The award highlighted the unique flavor and production quality of this regional honey, which originates from the rich flora and untouched ecosystem of the Munzur Mountains.
At a press conference held at the Tunceli Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Governor and Acting Mayor Sefik Aygol said the achievement represents more than recognition for a single brand. He emphasized that it reflects “a shared value that showcases Tunceli’s nature, production approach, and its people to the world.” He also underlined that the success was rooted in community solidarity, sustainable production, and a vision of development that protects local resources.
Aygol noted that Tunceli is now known not only for its natural beauty but also for its distinctive, high-quality products making their way into international markets. He said this milestone would inspire other local producers to aim higher. He also stated that the governor’s office is ready to support efforts to increase production and strengthen branding for Munzur honey.
Tunceli Chamber of Commerce and Industry head Hasan Huseyin Coskun congratulated Dogan Celik, the brand owner of Iksor, and reaffirmed the chamber’s support for local beekeepers. Kazim Dogan, head of the Tunceli Beekeepers Association, highlighted that around 1,300 people in the region work in beekeeping. He said that “Iksor’s commitment to maintaining consistent quality and traceability is critical for ensuring that local honey receives the market recognition it deserves.”
Brand founder Dogan Celik explained that over 300 entries from more than 20 countries were submitted to the competition, with 280 passing the initial stage. He added that the evaluation in London relied on blind tasting, where independent jurors—primarily biologists specializing in honey tasting—assessed the entries for texture, taste, and color.