Hatay Defne Soap

Hatay Laurel Soap is a traditional product produced in the Hatay province of Türkiye, with its application filed on 23 March 2017 and registered as a Geographical Indication. The registration process was completed on 16 October 2017. The distinctive feature of this product lies in the traditional method of converting oil extracted from the fruit of the Mediterranean laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) and olive oil produced in the Hatay region into soap using caustic and salt. The laurel oil used in production imparts a green color to the product due to its chlorophyll content and provides its characteristic natural aroma.

Product Characteristics

The main raw materials of Hatay Laurel Soap are laurel oil, olive oil, water, salt and caustic (sodium hydroxide, NaOH). Laurel oil obtained by pressing the fruit of the laurel tree contains on average 16.57% lauric acid, 18.57% palmitic acid, 38.08% oleic acid and 23.09% linoleic acid. The lauric acid content in the laurel fixed oil used must be at least 12.5%. The olive oil preferred in production is sourced locally and is characterized by a high phenolic content and low acidity (maximum 0.7%). The finished soap is expected to have a dark cream color and carry the natural characteristic aroma of laurel. Chemically, the free alkali content must not exceed 0.2%, the chloride content (as sodium chloride) must not exceed 2.4%, and the moisture content must not exceed 29%.

Production Method

Hatay Laurel Soap can be produced using two different traditional methods: the aqueous system and the dry system. In both methods, the production of laurel oil is carried out first:

Laurel Oil Production:

Soap Production:

Geographical Boundary

The geographical boundary of Hatay Laurel Soap is the Hatay province. The reputation of the product stems from the traditional, skill-intensive methods long used in the region to convert laurel fruit oil and olive oil produced in Hatay into soap. Therefore, soap production must be carried out within this geographical boundary using oil derived exclusively from laurel fruits naturally grown in Hatay and olives cultivated in Hatay.

Monitoring

Compliance of the product with its registered characteristics and production methods is monitored by a six-member commission coordinated by the Samandağ District Governorship of the Republic of Türkiye. The commission consists of representatives from Mustafa Kemal University, the Antakya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Antakya Commodity Exchange, the Laurel Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Association and the Hatay Provincial Directorate of Food, Agriculture and Livestock.

Monitoring is conducted twice annually covering all processes including production, marketing and sales, and additionally as needed or upon complaint. The Monitoring Commission specifically checks the following:

Appropriateness of Input Raw Materials: Analysis of the oils used in the soap is conducted to verify that the laurel fruit oil is obtained from laurel trees grown within Hatay’s boundaries and produced using the specified method. The olive oil’s acidity level must not exceed 15.

Characteristics of Ready-for-Sale Soap: The soap’s physical characteristics (dark cream color, natural laurel aroma) and chemical properties (free alkali, chloride and moisture content) are verified for compliance.

Production Areas and Methods: Compliance of production areas and methods with registered requirements is inspected.

Marketing and Sales: Packaging criteria are checked for adherence.

Monitoring results and reports are submitted annually to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office by the Samandağ District Governorship of the Republic of Türkiye.