Regional specialties have a tradition and preserve culinary variety in a sustainable way. Using handed-down recipes, businesses and producers create food with high-quality ingredients. They continue traditional production methods and preserve craftsmanship in various areas. In contrast to the standardization of taste caused by industrial products, they stand for authentic culinary enjoyment.

Generations adopt the recipes of their predecessors, thereby ensuring a local food culture. These specialties and their producers have a close connection to their geographical origin. Regional products also make a significant contribution to sustainable value creation — producers use local raw materials and have short transport distances.

The European Union protects the production of regional food to prevent misuse and imitation. This secures the profitability of producers in the long term and effectively. Officially, there are three categories used to classify regionally typical food — depending on the seal, producers are subject to different regulations:

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)

Here, production, processing, and manufacturing take place in a specific geographical area — this can be a region, a town, or a country. Examples: Parmigiano Reggiano, Allgäuer Bergkäse, Lübeck marzipan.

Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)

At least one production stage — production, processing, or manufacturing — must take place in the defined geographical region. Examples: Nuremberg bratwurst, Black Forest ham, Bavarian beer.

Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG)

Here, a traditional recipe is protected — regardless of the geographical origin. Examples: Mozzarella, Serrano ham.

Why are these seals important?

The seals guarantee authenticity and quality for the consumer. At the same time, they protect producers from cheap imitation and secure the economic existence of traditional businesses. By buying regional specialties, you support culinary heritage and sustainable agriculture.