In general, Geographical Indications (GIs) are a label of origin for food products, much like Bio or vegan certifications. They provide accreditation, ensuring consumers a product’s quality through professional standards and perceived value.
Firstly, I’d like to share that my views stem from over a year of studying GIs in the Master program – Local products and Traditional Food (Food Identity). I’ve gained respect for the professionals, particularly in France, who contribute to this field with dedication and expertise.
The concept of Geographical Indications is built on three main pillars: Quality, Legal Rights, and Branding. Each of these components connects to important research areas, so let’s start with Branding – how consumers perceive GI labels.
Branding: Consumer Perception and Added Value
Consumer perception of the GI label and willingness to pay for it has been a hot topic in research for years. Producers use GIs as a tool to promote and communicate authenticity and the unique terroir of their products. I see it as an added value, directly promoting the product’s link to its origin. However, my field experience has shown that perception varies significantly by country. For example, in France, the birthplace of the AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) concept, GIs are widely recognized. But in Romania or Poland, the concept is often newer and less familiar to consumers.
Legal Rights: Protecting GIs in Global Trade
The legal aspect is crucial for establishing GI recognition and use in global trade. GIs are protected as intellectual property, with rights typically owned by associations of producers who meet specific criteria for each product. This means that only products from the designated region, meeting quality and origin specifications, can use names like PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) or PGI (Protected Geographical Indication). And it helps to against unfair competition and usurpation under the protection.
Quality: Guaranteeing Authenticity and Craftsmanship
Quality, as it pertains to GIs, involves both the origin of raw materials and the production process. GI products are deeply rooted in their geographic location, which contributes to their unique characteristics and connects to the local producers’ know-how (savoir-faire in French). In France, there is a strong quality control system involving both internal and external professionals to ensure that GI-labeled products meet high standards, guaranteeing their status as exceptional local products.
In summary, from my perspective, these three components – Legal Rights, Branding, and Quality – form the backbone of Geographical Indications. GIs are not only legally protected but also offer a unique blend of consumer perception and quality assurance, firmly grounding these products in their place of origin.
