PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) certifications play crucial roles in preserving the European Union’s culinary heritage. These designations of regional identity ensure product authenticity and exceptional quality.

PDO Certification signifies that a food product is entirely produced, processed, and prepared within a specific geographical area – some examples are Szeged paprika from Hungary or Roquefort cheese from France. On the other hand, PGI Certification indicates that at least one stage of production, processing, or preparation occurs within the defined geographical region – for example Gouda cheese, always made with milk from Dutch dairy farms, or Belgium’s Jambon d’Ardenne, always matured and dried in the distinctive microclimate of the region that gives it its name.

Beyond preserving traditional recipes, PDO and PGI labels play a crucial role in supporting local economies and safeguarding cultural heritage within the EU. By upholding strict production standards and geographical authenticity, these labels help producers build trust with consumers regarding the origin and quality of their products.

Choosing a PDO or PGI product as a consumer means making informed decisions, supporting local communities and experiencing genuine culinary traditions. These labels provide assurance of authenticity, ensuring that the product has been crafted using traditional methods native to its region. Moreover, PDO and PGI certifications signify quality, instilling confidence about the superior taste and craftsmanship of the products. Lastly, the selection of PDO and PGI items actively contributes to the sustainability of local economies and help small-scale producers. However, the increased value of PGI/PDO products makes them a lucrative target for fraudsters. Such activities not only deceive consumers but also undermine the integrity of regional food traditions and harm legitimate producers.

To address this issue, the EU has funded ALLIANCE (Grant Agreement No. 101084188), in which EuroFIR is actively involved. This project aims to protect PDO/PGI labels by leveraging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the internet of things. By integrating these technologies into the supply chain, ALLIANCE strives to enhance transparency and resilience, making it more difficult for fraudsters to tamper with or counterfeit PGI/PDO products and for these products to monitor variables key in maintaining quality. This way, the EU food businesses can safeguard the taste experiences, local economies, and cultural heritage embedded in the concept of PDO/PGI certifications.