European commission adds 13 new products to geographical indications registry

On Thursday, the European Commission announced the registration of 13 new products in the European Union's register of geographical indications. This addition brings the total number of protected names within the EU to more than 3,700. The newly registered items originate from Finland, France, Italy, Romania, Spain, and Sweden. Specific products include the French 'Foie gras d’oie du Sud-Ouest,' the Spanish 'Patata de Valderredible,' and the Italian 'Zampina di Sammichele di Bari.' The EU protection scheme covers agricultural products, foods, wines, and spirits, ensuring authenticity and quality linked to specific production methods and regions. These protections are categorized under Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), and specific spirits designations. Existing protected items under this system include products such as Champagne, Kalamata olives, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Irish whiskey. According to the Commission, these geographical indications generate over 75 billion euros in annual sales and account for approximately 15% of EU agri-food exports.