Understanding Food Quality Standards: D.O.P and I.G.P Designations Explained

In 1992, the European Union established the protected designation of origin framework that created quality standards for Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Trade Specialties Guarantee (TSG), and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) with Regulation 1151/12. These designations allow a customer to know with certainty where and how a specific product was created, and are strictly defined in the above regulation. These quality standards carry

What does PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) mean?

Products carrying the PGI designation ensure that at least one stage of production is tied to a geographical location which has, over time, stood out for its quality and reputation. In Italy, the designation is known as IGP, and the stage of production within the geographical area must be certified by Italian authorities.

What is DOP (Protected Designation of Origin)?

Among the European Union, Italy has the largest number of products achieving the European Union’s PDO designation, which is known in Italy as DOP.

DOP vs IGP, what’s the difference?

DOP and IGP are both designations for Italian products that ensure quality. In both cases, the certifications are difficult to get and require a complete chain of custody for the product’s production. When comparing the two designations, it’s important to note that all DOP products qualify as IGP products – IGP designation is only part of earning the DOP designation. This isn’t to say that IGP products are automatically inferior – these designations are not cheap, and it is often not worth the premium to have a product certified to a higher level – but DOP ensures all stages (from preparation to production) take place within a geographical location whereas IGP requires only preparation, processing, or production to take place within the geographical location.