Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) is a European scheme – and relevant logo – for protecting regional foods with characteristics that essentially depend on the area in which they are produced. The geographical environment includes both natural (the climate and other environmental characteristics) and human (production techniques handed down through time, skills, capabilities) factors which, combined, result in a unique product that cannot be reproduced outside that specific area. For a product to receive the PDO (DOP) status, in fact, it must be exclusively prepared, processed and produced within a determined geographical area, in accordance with strict product specifications, under the oversight of an independent supervisory body.

Protected Geographical Indication (IGP) is a European scheme – and relevant logo – like the PDO (DOP), assigned to foodstuffs, whose qualities, reputation or other characteristics are strictly dependent on the production, processing and/or preparation skills developed within a determined geographical area. Therefore, for a product to receive the PGI (IGP) status at least one of the three production stages must take place in a specific area. Here producers too are required to meet strict product specifications, under the oversight of an independent supervisory body.

The wine pyramid
(after 1st August 2009)