What does PGI stand for, and how does it differ from PDO?

The term PGI stands for Protected Geographical Indication. This designation is part of the European Union's system for classifying food and drink products based on their geographical origin. PGIs signify products that have a specific quality or reputation that is linked to that location, but they do not require all production steps to occur within the designated area, allowing for a certain degree of flexibility.

The distinction between PGI and PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) is significant in the context of regulations. PDO indicates a stricter level of protection where all aspects of production, processing, and preparation occur within the defined geographical area. As a result, PDOs tend to cover smaller areas compared to PGIs, which can encompass larger regions. This flexibility in production and broader geographical scope for PGIs often leads to less stringent regulatory requirements, as opposed to the more intensive oversight required for PDOs.

Hence, the correct understanding of PGI reflects its broader coverage and comparatively relaxed standards, distinguishing it clearly from PDO.