The map shown on this page identifies the specialities by Region – simply hover
the mouse over your region to pick out your local specialities and select the one
you are interested in.
PDO/PGI - In 1993 EU legislation came into force which provides
for a system for the protection of food names on a geographical or traditional recipe
basis. This system is similar to the familiar 'appellation controllée'' system used
for wine. The scheme highlights regional and traditional foods whose authenticity
and origin can be guaranteed. Under this system a named food or drink registered
at a European level will be given legal protection against imitation throughout
the EU.
The definitions of PDO (much stricter) is; ‘Open to products which
are produced, processed and prepared within a particular geographical area, and
with features and characteristics which must be due to the geographical area’
The definition of PGI is (much less strict); ‘Open to products
which must be produced or processed or prepared within the geographical area and
have a reputation, features or certain qualities attributable to that area.'
We list next to the specialities any PDO or PGI which has been granted and in
the case of PDO * or PGI* it indicates that an application is in progress.