DOP seal in new color combination red-yellow

What does DOP mean?

DOP is the abbreviation for Denominazione d’Origine Protetta, the Italian equivalent of “Protected Designation of Origin”, which is abbreviated to PDO. However, as we deal with Italian products, we have become accustomed to using the Italian designation. DOP or PDO is used to label products whose production process is specific to a particular region. In Italy, this mainly applies to cheese and some hams. This means that the rearing of the animals and their further processing or that of the milk is restricted to one region. This geographical restriction is based on traditional production methods. In our range, this applies to Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP, Grana Padano DOP, Prosciutto di Parma DOP, Pomodoro di San Marzano D.O.P. and Piennolo tomatoes DOP. Most of the products also bear their designation of origin in their name.

Who awards the DOP seal?

The DOP seal is awarded by the European Union. The Union wants to preserve regional characteristics by protecting production, processing, manufacture and the recognized and established procedures. This is why it originally had the colors blue and yellow, based on the EU flag. More precisely, the DOP seal shows a stylized yellow field, which probably stands for the agricultural products, surrounded by the original 12 yellow stars of the EU. The outer ring reads “Denominazione d’Origine Protetta” or “Protected Designation of Origin” in the respective language. The round seal is finished off with a jagged wreath.

The IGP seal on the left and the new DOP seal on the right.

Why is the DOP seal now red?

One of our producers drew our attention to the fact that the DOP seal has been red-yellow instead of blue-yellow for some time now. A comparison with the IGP(Indicazione Geografica Protetta) or PGI(Protected Geographical Indication) seal shows why. The IGP seal, which only protects the production of a product in the region and not the traditional production method, is in the same colors. The only difference is the lettering. Originally, the similarity was intended to make it easier for consumers to choose typical products, but the EU has since decided that the difference between the two seals is not great enough. It was therefore decided back in July 2008 to keep the DOP seal in red and yellow. The fact that the old seal can still be seen on products is due to the slow implementation and the fact that the old DOP seal may be used until May 1, 2010.