Establishing a National Saffron Brand Requires Cohesion, Collective Will, and an Operational Plan

According to the Khorasan Razavi Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, Ali‑Mohammad Shariati‑Moghaddam, Head of the Commission for Knowledge‑Based Enterprises, Digital Economy, and Artificial Intelligence, stated that the concept of a National Saffron Brand has been discussed for several years. The responsibility for pursuing the project has been delegated by the Iran Chamber of Commerce and the Khorasan Razavi Chamber to the National Saffron Council.

Although the initial designs and feasibility studies have been completed, Shariati‑Moghaddam noted that financial constraints, sanctions, and currency challenges have slowed the pace of implementation.

He added that in cooperation with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Iranian Intellectual Property Organization, a specialized course was held in Mashhad to prepare the private sector for national brand registration—yet the initiative has not yet reached its execution phase.

According to him, realizing a national saffron brand requires a clear operational plan, a quality control system, product traceability, standardized packaging, targeted marketing, and—above all—collective determination and a shift from individual interests to national interests.

Shariati‑Moghaddam cited successful international examples, stating that in Spain and Greece, saffron is exported solely through a single authorized brand under the supervision of specialized unions.

“In particular,” he said, “Greek ‘Kozani Saffron,’ produced organically and marketed under a unified label, has achieved remarkable global recognition. These cases prove that concentrating efforts under a single brand enhances both reputation and profitability.”

He emphasized that Iran’s saffron production far exceeds those countries—making the establishment of a National Iranian Saffron Brand a pressing necessity.

Shariati‑Moghaddam also drew attention to the cultural and civilizational dimension of saffron, explaining that the crop is not merely an economic commodity, but a component of Iran’s cultural heritage and identity.

“Saffron,” he said, “can be introduced as a symbol of Iran’s ancient agricultural civilization.”

He asserted that the national brand must comply with global standards—including quality assurance, product traceability, fair trade, organic production, and modern packaging—and suggested that leveraging digital economy tools and artificial intelligence for marketing and value‑chain management would be a vital step forward.

Developing a Comprehensive Saffron Encyclopedia: A Step toward Scientific and Economic Growth

As a member of the Policy Council for National Saffron Day, Shariati‑Moghaddam explained that since last year, the drafting of a “Comprehensive Saffron Encyclopedia” and publication of related research works have begun as part of the festival’s initiatives. These efforts, he said, can pave the way for scientific, cultural, and economic expansion of the saffron industry.

He emphasized that academic studies and registered patents in saffron processing technologies form a foundation for building a national brand and enhancing Iran’s position in global markets.

Describing National Saffron Day as a platform for synergy among industry players, he said the event provides an opportunity for farmers, exporters, research institutes, and policymakers to converge and collaborate toward sustainable saffron development.

Referring to the lesson learned from Iranian carpet exports, he warned that fragmentation and weak competitiveness can cause even world‑class products to lose market share.

“This experience,” he remarked, “must illuminate saffron’s path forward—anchored in national perspective and long‑term strategic planning—to secure Iran’s rightful place in the world saffron market.”

Shariati‑Moghaddam concluded that the future of Iranian saffron depends on collective cooperation, avoiding isolated approaches, and relying on the nation’s intellectual, cultural, and private‑sector capabilities.

He added that National Saffron Day could serve as the starting point for this nationwide movement, protecting one of Iran’s most valuable cultural and economic heritages.

Original Title: Establishing a National Saffron Brand Requires Cohesion, Collective Will, and an Operational Plan

Source: Khorasan Razavi Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture

Publication Date: October 15, 2025

Original Link: https://news.mccima.com/62409/