THE GI SYSTEM: AN ITALIAN STANDARD
Two certification seals, one assurance: quality.
The standard of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) & Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), rely on years of experience and a strong connection with the areas where products are made. This connection ties the raw, unprocessed ingredients and food products with traditions, culture, and the transmission of centuries-old know-how. Such products bear the mark of human craftsmanship, where skilled food artisans play a pivotal role in pursuing exceptional quality. However, it is essential to note that artisans must dutifully abide by strict production regulations set forth for GI products. Nowadays, the agri-food system of geographical indication promoted by the European Union is one of the most advanced in the world in terms of consumer protection, uniqueness, security, and food quality. It is based on the following four pillars that relate to the whole production chain with specific regulations; • food security (to guarantee full hygienic compliance with all the go-to-market products); • sale standards (to set minimum requirements for marketable products); • labeling (to transmit transparent and accurate information to consumers), and; • European quality systems (to identify, protect and promote products with specific required qualities rather than others of the same category which are not fully compliant).
This identifying quality system allows distinction and protection and adds value to one or more characteristics of specific items, making them more recognizable than other “generic products.” Therefore, from a legal and productive standpoint, the European system imposes more restrictions than other countries, which tend to prefer cyclic & rigid controls rather than accepting production standards and regulations by third-party entities. Because of this, the European system guarantees consumers more inspections and higher quality standards than products of similar characteristics. The GI system includes various agri-food products like cheese, wine, extra virgin olive oil, meat, processed meat, seafood, fruits, and vegetables. The European system ensures that consumers can rely on these products to have typical characteristics, high quality, authenticity, traditional flavors, traceability, and meet healthy standards.
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GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2023
