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Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)

March 11, 2025

Do you like typical, authentic Greek products? The Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) guarantees the geographical origin and authenticity of European food products. Discover the importance of this prestigious distinction, its history, its criteria, and how it promotes unique Greek flavors.

What is the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) label?

The PDO label stands for “Protected Designation of Origin”. It identifies a product whose entire production process takes place in a specific geographical area. This European label guarantees the product’s origin, quality and traditional production methods.

The history of the PDO label

Created in 1992 by the European Union, the PDO label protects regional products against counterfeiting. It promotes local know-how, passes on a unique culinary tradition, and supports the economic development of the regions concerned. Today, this label is recognized worldwide for its reliability and quality guarantees.

What are the criteria for obtaining the PDO label?

The PDO label is awarded on the basis of a number of precise criteria:

Strictly defined geographical origin
Close link between region and product quality
Traditional, controlled production methods
Complete traceability at every stage
Compliance with official specifications validated by the EU

These criteria ensure authentic production, faithful to regional traditions.

How is the PDO label awarded?

The procedure for awarding the PDO label comprises several essential stages:

Application for registration : Producers submit a detailed dossier to the European authorities.
File evaluation: Experts verify the origin, production methods and regional specificities described.
Field control Rigorous inspections validate compliance with imposed criteria.
Official validation by the EU: Once all conditions have been met, the product officially obtains the PDO designation.
Regular inspections: Every year, certified farms are inspected to ensure they maintain their distinction.

Why choose PDO-certified products?

Choosing PDO products allows you to :

Discover authentic flavours typical of a specific region
Consume products with recognized and protected taste qualities
Support local producers and preserve traditional know-how.
Perfect traceability and total transparency

This label is therefore a real guarantee of quality and authenticity for demanding consumers.

Which Greek products carry the PDO label?

Greece boasts a number of world-renowned products bearing the PDO label:

Greek feta cheese
Olive Kalamata
Chios putty
Kozani saffron
Extra-virgin olive oil from Kalamata or Sitia (Crete)

These products perfectly reflect Greece’s unique culinary and cultural identity.

Where can I find PDO products?

PDO products can be easily identified by the official yellow and red logo on the packaging. At Growy and Tasty, we carefully select PDO-certified Greek products. Discover them below and enjoy an authentic, high-quality Greek culinary experience.

Our PDO-certified products at Growy and Tasty :

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