EU Registers 114 Greek Products to ‘Protected Designation of Origin’ List

The European Union (EU) is moving forward to highlight Greece’s unique flavors by protecting the designation of origin (PDO) of 114 products.

By registering specific products as PDO, the EU aims to protect their names and showcase their unique features linked to their geographical origin and traditional know-how.

Greek products included on the PDO list are Chios mastique, Aegina pistachio, Kozani saffron, Tsakonian eggplant of Leonidion, dried figs of Kymi, and Englouvi lentils from Lefkada.

“Each one is a distinct treasure that reflects the rich lands and cultural diversity of Greece” said officials from the Representation of the European Commission in Greece.

In this way, the EU enhances the visibility of the unique dietary characteristics of certain Greek products and ensures their preservation and adequate production at the highest possible levels of quality and hygiene, boosting the income of small producers and contributing to the regional development of Greece.

Photo source: Athens Attica

More specifically, the list includes:

– Eastern Macedonia & Thrace: Kasseri cheese

– Attica: Aegina pistachio

– North Aegean: Chios mastique

– Western Greece: Fish roe – bottarga of Messolongi

– Western Macedonia: Kozani saffron

– Epirus: Metsovone cheese

– Thessaly: Rapsani wines

– Ionian Islands: Englouvi lentils

– Central Macedonia: Green olives of Chalkidiki

– Crete: Pine & thyme honey

– South Aegean: Santorini tomato

– Peloponnese: Tsakonian eggplant

– Central Greece: Dried figs

To further promote Greece’s diet, the EU representation published the advertorial “The European Union highlights Greece’s unique flavors by protecting the designation of origin of 114 products” in Aegean Airway’s bimonthly free “BLUE” magazine. The feature was released in September and October 2024, aiming to address a period of increased passenger traffic.

More information is available here.

To navigate the database of Greek PDO products, select your preferred language from the top of the page and then in the “Country” field, select Greece and click on “Search”.

“Travel across Greece, discover and taste the 114 Greek PDO products,” officials suggest taste enthusiasts.