Labels of Taste

3 LABELS OF TASTE All four of these products belong to the large family of agricultural products, foodstuffs and beverages that numbers more than 3000 members, which carry a European quality label. It is most likely that you have heard the concepts of “PDO” or “geographical indication”. But do you know exactly what they mean? And, above all, why should you care? When a product obtains a protected designation of origin (PDO) it means that it originates in a specific place, region, or, in exceptional cases, a country. Its quality or characteristics are essentially or exclusively due to a particular geographical environment with its inherent natural and human factors. The product adheres to a precise set of specifications, while all steps of its production take place in the defined geographical area using ingredients that come from that area. A product bearing a protected geographical indication (PGI) is linked to a specific place, region or country. Its quality, reputation or other characteristic is essentially attributable to its geographical origin. The product adheres to a precise set of specifications, while at least one from its production steps takes place in the defined geographical area. However, its ingredients do not necessarily come from the area concerned. WHAT DO FETA CHEESE, PROSCIUTTO DI PARMA, THE SPANISH WINE CAVA AND SWEET ROSE PRESERVE FROM THE CYPRUS VILLAGE OF AGROS HAVE IN COMMON? OTHER THAN FOOD AND DRINKS, THE LOGOS PDO AND PGI CAN BE FOUND ON PRODUCTS WHICH ARE NOT INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION E.G. COTTON, FLOWERS, ΗΑΥ AND ESSENTIAL OILS.