EU quality policy aims to protect the names of specific products to promote their unique characteristics, which are linked to their geographical origin and traditional know-how. Product names can be granted with a "geographical indication" (GI) if they have a specific link to the place where they are made. GI recognition enables consumers to trust and distinguish quality products while also helping producers to market their products better.
Protected designation of origin (PDO)
Product names registered as PDO are those that have the strongest links to the place in which they are made.
Specifications
Every part of the production, processing and preparation process must take place in the specific region.
For wines, this means that the grapes have to come exclusively from the geographical area where the wine is made.
Example
Kalamata olive oil PDO is entirely produced in the region of Kalamata in Greece, using olive varieties from that area.
Protected geographical indication (PGI)
PGI emphasises the relationship between the specific geographic region and the name of the product, where a particular quality, reputation or other characteristic is essentially attributable to its geographical origin.
Specifications
For most products, at least one of the stages of production, processing or preparation takes place in the region.
In the case of wine, this means that at least 85% of the grapes used come exclusively from the geographical area where the wine is actually made.
Example
Westfälischer Knochenschinken PGI ham is produced in Westphalia using age-old techniques, but the meat used does not originate exclusively from animals born and reared in that specific region of Germany.
Organic label
The EU organic label guarantees that agricultural products and foodstuffs have been produced as naturally as possible, while minimising the impact on the environment. It also guarantees a high standard of animal welfare.
European legislation ensures all organic products go through several stages of controls before they get to your plate. From the farm to your fork, EU products with the organic leaf label have been produced, processed, handled and distributed in accordance with legislation, regardless of where in the EU they were produced.