List of European cheeses with protected geographical status

List of European Cheeses with Protected Geographical Status refers to cheeses from Europe that have been granted a Protected Geographical Status (PGS) under European Union (EU) law. This status is designed to protect the names of quality agricultural products and foodstuffs that are produced, processed, and prepared in a specific geographical area using recognized know-how. The main EU schemes of geographical indications (GI) are Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), and Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG).

Overview

The concept of protecting geographical names for food products dates back to the early 20th century, but it was formally introduced by the EU in the 1990s. The aim is to ensure fair competition for farmers and producers and provide clear information to consumers about the product's origin. Products with PDO, PGI, or TSG status benefit from a higher level of protection against imitation or misuse of the product name within the EU and often in other countries due to bilateral agreements.

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) is the strongest level of protection. It applies to products that are produced, processed, and prepared in a specific geographical area using recognized know-how. The quality or characteristics of the product should be essentially or exclusively due to a particular geographical environment with its inherent natural and human factors.

Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)

Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) denotes products that have a specific quality, reputation, or other characteristics attributable to their geographical origin. At least one of the stages of production, processing, or preparation takes place in the area.

Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG)

Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) emphasizes traditional character, either in the composition or means of production. It does not link the product to a specific geographical area but focuses on the traditional composition or means of production.

List of Cheeses

Below is a non-exhaustive list of European cheeses with protected geographical status, categorized by country and type of protection:

France

• Roquefort (PDO) - A blue cheese made from sheep's milk in the south of France.
• Camembert de Normandie (PDO) - A soft cheese made from cow's milk in Normandy.
• Brie de Meaux (PDO) - A soft cheese made from cow's milk in the region of Meaux.

Italy

• Parmigiano-Reggiano (PDO) - A hard, granular cheese from the Parma and Reggio Emilia regions.
• Gorgonzola (PDO) - A blue cheese made from cow's milk in the regions of Piedmont and Lombardy.
• Mozzarella di Bufala Campana (PDO) - A mozzarella cheese made from the milk of Italian buffalo raised in selected areas of Campania.

Spain

• Manchego (PDO) - A cheese made from the milk of the Manchega sheep breed in the La Mancha region.
• Queso de Cabrales (PDO) - A blue cheese made in the Asturias region from cow, goat, or sheep's milk.

United Kingdom

• Stilton (PDO) - A blue cheese from Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Nottinghamshire.
• Cheddar Cheese (PGI) - A hard, sharp-tasting cheese originally from the village of Cheddar in Somerset.

Significance

The protection of geographical indications helps to maintain the diversity of agricultural products and foodstuffs, promotes rural employment, and sustains the rural economy. It also helps consumers by guaranteeing the authenticity of the product they purchase.