Regional producers of France chasing European labels. On 20 March the European Commission awarded the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in sea salt. "This is great news that we have awaited for a long time," says Gregory Pitard, president of the Association for the promotion of artisanal salt (Aprosela). To date, 191 French products – and some 375 wines – benefit from a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) or PGI, a total of 1092 products. And forty cases are still awaiting a decision from Brussels, whose Livarot, mussels from Bouchut, Camembert de Normandie, chestnuts from Ardèche, rillettes of Tours or the Montbéliard sausage. "Producers voluntarily impose new constraints in their manufacturing process to protect their knowledge against usurpation and imitation," says the National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO).
European labels have not only a protective role. "Over time, the IGP is a business advantage," said the president of the Aprosela. In fact, 42.3% of French people think that promoting products "Made in France" should be a priority in the presidential campaign, according to a study site Testntrust. "The geographic origin of a product is an important choice for consumers, although it is difficult to measure its impact," says Jean-Louis Benassi, director of the inter Unicid ciders. A view shared by Alexis Martinod Savoîcime director, representing the Tomme de Savoie. "Achieving the required level of quality has a cost that justifies the eyes of our customers, a sales price sometimes better than others," said he. For the INAO, "buying a local product is often a militant act because, in the spirit of the French, it provides a livelihood for local channels, or even a region where the context is sometimes difficult, as the Lozere or the Ardeche. "
Europe also protects Chinese garlic …
With these labels, producers sometimes enjoy support from the regions or departments to complete their development projects. Chain of Tomme de Savoie, for example, spends an annual budget of 25,000 euros to research. Regional producers can expand their markets. "Our products are particularly relevant to retailers," says Franck Pernot du Breuil, president of the inter Fraise du Périgord. In recent years, retailers have expanded their range by playing the card of the soil. Like with its Carrefour brand Reflets de France, or E. Leclerc Our Regions of Talent.
"Retailers often do not put forward our signature Fraise du Périgord because they want to promote their own brands," says Franck however Pernot du Breuil. "As a result, consumers may not know these labels and the qualitative approach they impose on our business." The boost from the European Union can also lead to unexpected setbacks. Last October, Brussels has angered producers of French, Italian and Spanish by registering as a PGI Chinese garlic Jinxiang Da Suan, facilitating the coup its import and marketing in Europe. Meanwhile, in France, smoked garlic Arleux still waiting for the distinction.
Quality labels and home: how to find
In France, nearly one in two farmers engaged in an official sign identifying the quality and origin. In 2010, these signs represented a turnover of 19 billion euros in the first market, according to INAO, which recalls the specifics of these signs guaranteed and recognized by the State: …… ..
• The designation of origin (AOC) means a product including all stages of manufacturing (production, processing and preparation) are made according to know-how in the same geographical area. For example, the St. Nectarios can not be manufactured in only part of the Auvergne from milk from the area.
• The designation of origin (PDO) is the European equivalent of the AOC. The name of a product is protected throughout the EU. Products that have earned this distinction, there is Chablis, Roquefort, Brie de Meaux, olive oil from Corsica or Bresse chicken.
• The Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) is a product whose characteristics are related to the geographic location at which occurs at least its production or processing according to well defined conditions. The ravioli of Dauphine, the Camargue rice and Bayonne ham are among the 107 products that have obtained the PGI in France.
• The traditional specialty guaranteed (TSG) is a European label that protects a traditional recipe. To date, no French product holds this sign, which was however awarded Serrano ham or Gueuze beer. The farmed mussels and Emmental filed an application with the European Commission in 2006 and 2011.
• The Red Label is a sign that French refers to products with higher quality compared to other similar products, thanks to their conditions of production or manufacture. This is awarded to agricultural and food products such as smoked salmon, chicken, cheese or sausage.
• Organic farming (AB) production method ensures environmentally and animal welfare. The rules regulating the organic production method are the same throughout Europe, and imported products are subject to the same requirements.
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