The PDO and PGI trademarks, assigned by the European Union, identify excellence in food products in terms of taste, authenticity and genuineness, with characteristics having roots in the area of origin.
“Area” is understood as a specific geographic environment, i.e., a set of natural factors (climate, water, etc.) and cultural and historic components (production methods, tradition, etc.).
Buying DOP and IGP products means choosing quality, taste and wholesomeness and making an informed choice to respect the environment, work and tradition.
The labels on food-product packages are an useful tool for consumers; they are a guarantee of quality and genuineness.
The PDO and PGI protective trademarks are one example of the information found on food-product labels; they are authorised by European Community Regulation 510 of 20 March 2006.

PDO (Protected Denomination of Origin)

PDO (Protected Denomination of Origin) certification identifies a product according to its production methods and place of origin. Producers of PDO products must abide by rigid production regulations and adherence to such regulations is guaranteed by specific certifying bodies. All production stages, from raw materials to end product, must take place within a well-defined geographical area and must be produced according to traditional methods, ensuring that each product is unique and inimitable.
The name must also include the geographical area of origin and the product must meet certain requirements in terms of appearance, smell and taste; in other words a guarantee of its link to the territory.

PGI (Protected Geographic Indication)

The PGI (Protected Geographic Indication) certification is related to the product’s quality and geographical typicality.
PGI certification is granted only if at least one of the production stages is carried out within a particular geographic area. Unlike the DOP certification attesting that the entire production is conducted within a certain area, the IGP certification can be applied to those products for which only a part of the production has been carried out within a certain area, as this certification emphasizes the production techniques applied. In this case, the tools used, the production methods handed down from generation to generation and the production times are considered a guarantee of authenticity for each traditional product.