Croatia celebrates decade of EU-protected flavour

Croatia marks ten years since the registration of its first product name at the EU level, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said.

Krk prosciutto was registered on 14 April 2015 in the EU as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), making it the first Croatian agricultural and food product to receive a protected designation under the EU quality scheme, CE Report quotes HINA.

In order to send a strong message to the public about the importance of preserving tradition and branding Croatia, given the strong market recognition of European labels, 14 April was, at the ministry’s proposal and by decision of the Croatian parliament, designated as the Day of Protected Croatian Autochthonous Products.

According to the ministry, Croatia, as the youngest EU member state, has secured the registration of 51 names of agricultural and food products, whether as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), PGI, or Traditional Speciality Guaranteed at EU level. In addition, there are 18 PDOs for Croatian wines and six PGIs for strong alcoholic beverages.

In terms of the total number of registered names, Croatia ranks eighth in the EU.

“Croatia is increasingly recognised on the gastronomic map of Europe and the world, a recognition to which these products also contribute,” said Minister David Vlajčić.

He added that encouraging the initiation of the protection process for traditional product names under European quality schemes, as well as involving new producers in the certification system and certifying greater quantities of products, is aimed at protecting the interests of Croatian production.