PDO and PGI Denominations: What They Really Mean

When you buy Parmigiano Reggiano PDO, Prosciutto di Parma PDO or Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, what exactly does that acronym on the package guarantee? The denominations PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) are not just marketing labels, but rigorous European certifications that protect quality, authenticity and tradition.

In this complete guide, LAPA explains everything about PDO and PGI certifications: what they mean, what the differences are, which Italian products are protected and why they are fundamental for your restaurant. If you work in catering in Switzerland, knowing how to recognize and valorize PDO and PGI products is essential to offer authentic quality.

What PDO Means (Protected Designation of Origin)

PDO is the most rigorous European certification for agri-food products. It guarantees that all production phases - from raw material to final processing - take place in a specific geographical area, following a traditional production specification.

Requirements for PDO Certification

To obtain the PDO mark, a product must meet very strict criteria:

• Total geographical origin: Raw material, processing and packaging in the same delimited area
• Intrinsic quality: Unique characteristics linked to the territory (terroir)
• Traditional method: Production techniques handed down through generations
• Strict specification: Precise rules on ingredients, process, aging, controls
• Complete traceability: Every phase documented and verifiable
• Control body: Independent certifying body that verifies compliance

Examples of Famous Italian PDO Products

Italy has over 180 PDO products, including:

• Parmigiano Reggiano PDO: Only milk from the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna and Mantua
• Mozzarella di Bufala Campana PDO: Buffalo milk from Campania and neighboring areas
• Prosciutto di Parma PDO: Pigs raised in 10 Italian regions, processing only in Parma
• Pecorino Romano PDO: Sheep milk from Lazio, Sardinia and Grosseto
• Gorgonzola PDO: Milk from Piedmont and Lombardy, processing in defined provinces

All these products are available in the LAPA catalog, with authentic PDO certification and guaranteed traceability.

What PGI Means (Protected Geographical Indication)

PGI is a European certification that guarantees a link with the geographical territory, but with slightly less stringent requirements than PDO. At least one production phase must take place in the defined geographical area.

Requirements for PGI Certification

A PGI product must respect:

• Partial geographical origin: At least one phase (production, transformation or processing) in the defined area
• Quality or reputation: Linked to geographical origin
• Specific specification: Rules on ingredients and production process
• Traceability: Documentation of phases in the protected area
• Regular controls: Checks by certifying bodies

Examples of Famous Italian PGI Products

Italy has over 140 PGI products, including:

• Speck Alto Adige PGI: Raw material can be extra-regional, but processing in South Tyrol
• Mortadella Bologna PGI: Production throughout Italian territory, Bolognese method
• Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI: Less restrictive than Traditional PDO
• Bresaola della Valtellina PGI: Meat can come from other areas, aging in Valtellina

LAPA offers a complete selection of Italian PGI products, perfect to enrich your restaurant menu with certified authenticity.

PDO vs PGI: What Are the Key Differences

Here's a clear comparison between PDO and PGI:

In summary: PDO is more restrictive and binds the product totally to the territory. PGI allows more flexibility but still maintains high quality standards and geographical link.

LAPA: Your Supplier of Certified PDO and PGI Products

LAPA is the reference in Switzerland for authentic Italian PDO and PGI products. With over 200 certified products in our catalog, we supply restaurants, pizzerias and trattorias throughout Switzerland.

LAPA Advantages for PDO/PGI Products

• Guaranteed certification: Every product with official documents
• Complete traceability: From production to delivery
• Curated selection: Only the best producers and consortiums
• Freshness: Fast delivery 24-48h, optimal rotation
• Consulting: We help you choose the right products for your menu
• Competitive prices: Wholesale rates, premium quality

Frequently Asked Questions about PDO and PGI

What is the main difference between PDO and PGI?

The answer is: PDO requires that all production phases (raw material, processing, packaging) take place in the defined geographical area. PGI requires that at least one significant phase takes place in the protected area, allowing more flexibility.

Are PDO products always better than PGI?

Not necessarily. PDO and PGI are different certifications, not quality scales. Both guarantee high standards. PDO has a closer link with the territory, but many PGI products are excellent and as respected as PDO.

How many PDO and PGI products are there in Italy?

Italy has over 320 products with PDO and PGI certification: about 180 PDO and 140 PGI. It is the European country with the most certifications, ahead of France and Spain.

Can I use the term "Parmigiano" without PDO?

No. "Parmigiano Reggiano" is a name legally protected throughout the European Union. Only cheese produced according to the specification in the defined area can be called Parmigiano Reggiano PDO.

Conclusion: PDO and PGI, Guarantee of Italian Excellence

PDO and PGI certifications are not just bureaucratic acronyms, but powerful tools that protect tradition, guarantee quality and valorize the unique link between product and territory.

LAPA is your trusted partner to access the best Italian PDO and PGI products in Switzerland. With over 200 certified products, fast delivery and expert support, we help you bring Italian excellence to your restaurant.

Discover the complete LAPA catalog of PDO and PGI products:

• 📱 Website: lapa.ch
• ✉️ Email: [email protected]
• 📞 Phone: Available on website
• 📦 Catalog: 200+ certified PDO and PGI products