International Taste Institute

Multiple International Taste Institute awards enable dairy brand to differentiate & increase exports

Ekici Peynir, a prominent Turkish dairy manufacturer, submitted their first products to the International Taste Institute sensory evaluations in 2017. Looking to validate the flavor and quality of their products through a prestigious, independent body, they have since then been awarded for various cheese products in their line.  

Having most recently earned the Diamond Award for their Süzme Peynir (feta-style cheese), the dairy company attributes their differentiation from competitors to the credibility of their awards. 

Read the case study to learn how the Superior Taste Award can help food & drink producers differentiate in a competitive market. 

SITUATION: Seeking differentiation 

According to the producer, the cheese market is highly competitive, with the Süzme Cheese (UF feta-style cheese) category being the most intensely contested segment in the industry. The company’s main objective for participating in the taste evaluations was thus to stand out from competitors with an objective assurance of taste – which they could showcase on their products. 

SOLUTIONS: A visual indicator of continuous commitment to taste 

The company’s positive results in the sensory evaluations granted it the right to utilize the Superior Taste Award labels and materials and thus meet their need for differentiation, year after year. 

“The successive awards motivated us to strive for even higher excellence. This drive led us first to the Crystal Award, and ultimately to the prestigious Diamond Award” Deputy General Manager Elçin Ekici Öztürk explains. 

The Diamond Taste Award is granted to products that have been awarded the Superior Taste Award with 3 stars seven times over a period of ten years. 

In 2026, Ekici Peynir achieved this for their Süzme Peynir. In the years leading up to this achievement, they continuously showcased their Superior Taste Award on their product packaging, and in marketing campaigns (TV commercials, digital campaigns and social media content). 

 

“It served as a visual shorthand for quality in both our print and digital communications” notes the producer. 

 

OUTCOMES: Improved perception of product and increased export sales 

Thanks to their achievements with the Taste Institute, the dairy company not only reinforced consumer trust in the domestic market but also accelerated sales by strengthening the perceived image of Turkish cheese (compared to other well-established fetas, for example) in export channels, particularly in Europe and the Gulf countries. 

The cheese company was able to penetrate new markets and retailers as a result.  

“For our business partners, carrying an award-winning product on their shelves provides a sense of security and a competitive edge” -Elçin Ekici Öztürk, Deputy General Manager 

Known by most actors in the F&B industry worldwide, the Superior Taste Award is an objective benchmark of superior taste, offering you strong support for business negotiations.  

Learn how to get your product evaluated at our next blind tastings and potentially be endorsed by our international jury of top chefs and renowned sommeliers: taste-institute.com/en/access/get-started