The DOP ( Protected Designation of Origin ) label, is an EU-registered certification. It designates a high-qualiy raw ingredient or a finished product from its specific geographical area of origin and traditional production techniques. A DOP product is so distinctive that the label was deemed necessary to differentiate it from others, safeguarding it from counterfeiting. Among the numerous labels and certifications in Italy (DOC, DOCG, IGP and IGT), the DOP may be the most recognised worldwide. Certainly, it has the most restrictive regulations. Strict specifications guarantee a high-quality ingredient or product to the consumer: its geographical provenance, trajectory, production chain and safety are certified. Unlike non-certified products, those with DOP labels are traceable back to the location of origin, ensuring considerate consumers about the authenticity of what they are purchasing or eating. DOP-labelled products are strongly connected to their territory. They cannot be found or produced anywhere else on the planet due to various factors, including climate, the surrounding environment, and the human factor. These elements shape the authenticity of DOP products or raw ingredients, which are unique and inimitable. The DOP label also protects the certification awarded by the European Union from a legal perspective. We cannot highlight enough how these products’ quality and specific characteristics depend essentially or exclusively on the territory in which they are produced. Natural (climate, environmental) and human factors, such as agricultural techniques developed over time, make it possible to obtain products in a class of their own. Therefore, processing and elaboration must occur in a defined geographical area for a product to earn a DOP label. DOP producers must adhere to the strict production rules established for each product in the UE specifications. An independent inspection body guarantees compliance with these rules.
The Indication of Geographic Protection , or IGP label, identifies and protects finished products, which, over time, stood out because of their quality and reputation. Awarded by the European Union, IGP labels certify the origins of high-quality agricultural and gastronomic products with a solid reputation or additional characteristics dependent on the territory of origin. At least one of the stages of production, processing and preparation must occur within a well-delimited geographical area. Therefore, IGP producers must adhere to the strict production rules set in each product’s EU specifications. An independent inspection body guarantees compliance with these rules. IGP differs from the more prestigious DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) label. IGP is generally more permissive regarding the origin of raw ingredients (the specifications may allow sourcing in the Italian territory, EU, or sometimes even non-EU areas ). IGP does not necessarily guarantee the origin of the raw ingredient. However, since it protects the original recipes and typical production processes typical of restricted territories in Italy, it certifies the finished product’s origin. The IGP label is also issued when the quantity of local or nationally available raw materials and ingredients in Italy needs to meet the global demand for the finished product. IGP also considers that some ingredients, regardless of their geographical origin, may be decisive for the product’s success, given their specific organoleptic characteristics.
Knowing that a product is ‘Made in Italy’ is globally recognized as a guarantee of quality. DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) and IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) labels represent the finest agricultural and food products Italy has to offer. The European Union has issued 295 DOP, IGP, and STG (Traditional Speciality Guaranteed) labels for various products, as well as 523 DOCG, DOC, and IGT labels for wines, making Italy the country with the highest number of protected agri-food products. Many of these products are exported worldwide, and geographical indications play a crucial role in the growth of the ‘Made in Italy’ brand. These labels ensure that the products purchased are authentic and of highest quality. The Italian Consortia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies, protect DOP and IGP products from abuse, unfair competition, counterfeiting, and misuse. However, only a few consumers are aware of or take the time to read the labels. This makes it challenging for Italian food lovers worldwide to distinguish between genuine ‘Made in Italy’ products and “Italian-sounding” alternatives. Staying true to the business philosophy and slogan, the products and raw ingredients used by Italico are DOP or IGP. This ensures ‘ the extraordinary Italian taste ‘ that sets us apart and gives us a unique identity in the global food service scene. Here are some examples of DOP and IGP Italian products:
- Not all tomatos for pizza are like the ‘‘San Marzano DOP’’ or ‘‘Piennolo del Vesuvio’’ and have the same nuances of flavor with pizzas.
- Not all “Italian cheese, blue cheese, or parmesan” are authentic. Look for Grana Padano DOP, Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, Gorgonzola DOP, and Pecorino Romano DOP.
- Not all “Buffalo mozzarella” is the same. Look for Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP.
- Not all “Parma ham or cold cuts” are genuine. Look for Mortadella Bologna IGP, Prosciutto di Parma DOP, Prosciutto San Daniele DOP, and Bresaola della Valtellina IGP.
- Not all balsamic vinegar is created equal. Look for Aceto Balsamico di Modena DOP.
- Only the mozzarella ‘‘fior di latte’’ cut into strips and ‘‘bufala’’ cut into slices are recognised from ‘‘Associazione Verace pizza Napoletana’’.
Pay attention next time you taste pizza. Many make use of low-price cheeses or not authentic mozzarella to cut cost. At ITALICO we believe in transparency and empowering our customers to make informed choices. That’s why we emphasize the importance of reading labels.