With the publication of the regulation in the Official Journal of the European Union on October 2, Ligurian Taggiasca olives and Trentino Carne Salada officially enter the Register of Protected Geographical Indications. This double recognition further enriches Italy's agri-food heritage, bringing the total number of quality-labeled food products recognized by the EU to 330.
The Italian product portfolio currently includes 174 DOPs, 152 IGPs, and 4 TSGs, alongside 529 wine denominations, for a total of 859 registrations. If the 36 Geographical Indications for spirits are also included, Italy has a total of 895 recognitions, confirming its position as a European leader in terms of value and variety.
The Italian GI system has significant economic impact: production is worth over €20 billion, of which approximately €11,6 billion comes from exports. This model combines the protection of local traditions with international competitiveness, ensuring positive impacts on the entire supply chain, from agricultural producers to distribution.
Taggiasca olives (PGI) are a symbol of Liguria's excellence. The production area encompasses the entire region and includes both table olives and a paste or pâté made from the Taggiasca olive variety. They can be sold in various formats: pickled, pitted dry or in brine, pitted in extra virgin olive oil, as well as olive paste or pâté.
This variety is distinguished by its above-average sweetness, light bitterness, and delicate flavor, characteristics that make it unique in the Italian olive oil scene. Taggiasca olives are also inextricably linked to the Ligurian landscape: their cultivation contributes to the preservation of the traditional dry stone walls, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
"The official registration of the Ligurian Taggiasca Olive PGI geographical indication," stated Carlo Siffredi, president of the Ligurian Taggiasca Olive Producers Association, "represents a fundamental starting point for generating value for the region. Now we must demonstrate that producers, supply chains, and institutions are up to this challenge, leveraging the strong identity of these products and their comprehensive sustainability." "The new registrations demonstrate the central role of quality and the connection to the region," added Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida. "Our priority is to protect these excellent products and create new growth opportunities in the markets."
