The European Union is proud to present a selection of exceptional products from Greece and Latvia as part of the “Premium European Products” campaign. Titled “Information Provision and Promotion Measures on Agricultural Products in Canada, Malaysia, and South Korea,” this initiative seeks to elevate the profile of European food products in these key global markets. Under the slogan “Better Knowledge, Better Choice,” the campaign aims to bring awareness to the rich cultural heritage, meticulous production processes, and unwavering commitment to safety and quality that define European goods.

The campaign introduces an exquisite range of added-value products, including PDO olive oils, table olives, dried grapes, saffron, hard cheese, gum, and gum oil from Greece, as well as dairy products, candied fruits, chocolates, confectionery, and salty snacks from Latvia. The initiative is built on four main objectives: first, to raise awareness of these high-quality European products; second, to enhance their recognition among consumers; third, to drive an increase in consumption; and ultimately, to boost exports of these European products to Canada, Malaysia, and South Korea.

EU’s Commitment to Quality: Understanding the Labels

The European Union’s commitment to quality is represented by the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) labels. These labels protect the names of products that originate from specific regions and have qualities or reputations linked to their production territory. The differences between PDO and PGI primarily relate to how much of the product’s raw materials must come from the area and how much of the production process must take place within the specific region. These factors are important indicators of authenticity and excellence.

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO): This label ensures that a product is produced, processed, and developed in a specific location, with qualities or characteristics that are intrinsically tied to its geographical environment. For example, the renowned “Krokos Kozanis” saffron from Greece is a PDO product, celebrated for its distinctive aroma and vibrant color, grown exclusively in the Kozani region.

PGI (Protected Geographical Indication):Similar to PDO, PGI products emphasize relation to their geographical area. However, unlike PDO, some production or development stages can occur outside the specified region. An example is the Latvian “Jāņu Siers” (Midsummer cheese), known for its cultural significance and traditional production methods.

Premium European Products from Greece and Latvia

The “Premium European Products” campaign offers a selection of high-quality goods from Greece and Latvia, including PDO olive oils, dried grapes, saffron, hard cheeses, and dairy products like cream cheese and sour cream. These products represent Europe’s rich heritage, combining time-honored traditions with strict safety and quality standards.

Greek Products: Greece contributes heaps of PDO products, including the renowned “Korinthiaki Stafida Vostizza” (Corinthian Currants) and “Graviera Kritis (Cretan Graviera Cheese), both of which are known for their distinct flavors and superior quality.

Latvian Products: Latvia offers a variety of dairy products, including curd snacks, cream cheese, and semi-hard cheeses, all made with the highest production standard, reflecting Latvia’s strong dairy traditions.

Ensuring Safety

The European Union’s strict regulations on food production ensure that these products meet the highest standards of safety and quality. From pesticide control to hygiene standards in processing facilities, every step of the production process is carefully monitored. Additionally, animal welfare is a key focus, with regulations ensuring that animals are raised in environments that prioritize their well-being.

Campaign Partners

This initiative is supported by two prominent organizations: the National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Greece (ETHEAS) and the Latvian Dairy Committee (LDC). Both organizations are dedicated to promoting the most prestigious products from their respective countries, reinforcing the reputation of European goods on the global stage.

For more information about the “Premium European Products” campaign, please visit  https://premiumeuropeanproducts.eu/ or email us to info@premiumeuropeanproducts.eu.

Pages dedicated to this program can be found on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, @premiumeuropeanproducts.

Notes to Editor

About National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Greece (ETHEAS)

Founded by Greece’s leading cooperatives and established by Greek law, ETHEAS is the national coordinating body of Agricultural Cooperatives in Greece. With over 300 member cooperatives representing approximately 80% of Greece’s total agricultural cooperative turnover, ETHEAS aims to foster rural and cooperative development, support and promote its members’ activities domestically and internationally, provide expert opinions on cooperative movement agricultural production and sector development, supervise the dissemination and promotion of cooperative ideas, and serve and educate its members through studies, research projects, and assignments.

About Latvian Dairy Committee (LDC)

Established in 1995, the Central Union of Latvian Milk Manufacturers (“Latvijas Piensaimnieku Centrālā Savienība”) unites milk producers and focuses on protecting their interests. As a cooperative society with 17 members producing about 80% of Latvia’s industrial milk, LDC advocates for milk manufacturers, ensures the sustainable development of the dairy sector, and represents the collective interests of its members.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES