Protected geographical indication
Also called: PGI or protected geographical indication(PGI)
The Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) is part of a European regulation to protect regional products from imitation. Some 600 products are defined where and/or how they may be produced. This list is divided into the categories of protected geographical indication, protected designation of origin and traditional speciality guaranteed.
Protected geographical indication is the least stringent of the three categories. Of products bearing a protected geographical indication, at least one of the stages of production, processing or preparation must take place in a particular area.
Some examples of protected geographical indications:
- Ardennes ham
- Westland grape
- Gouda Holland (cheese)
- Scharzwalder Schinken
Products that meet the requirements may carry the Protected Geographical Indication label. However, the mention of this label is not obligatory; the product is also protected just by using the name.