National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of
Greece (ETHEAS) and Latvian Dairy
Committee (LDC) spotlight PDO-designated gems and highlight
Europe's commitment to preserving
cultural heritage through exceptional quality and unique
flavors
MONTREAL, July 22,
2024 /CNW/ -- The National Union of Agricultural
Cooperatives of Greece (ETHEAS)
and the Latvian Dairy Committee (LDC) have launched the "Premium
European Products" campaign to showcase and promote high-quality
PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) products from Greece. This initiative aims to highlight the
exceptional quality and unique characteristics of PDO-certified
foods and beverages, emphasizing their strong ties to specific
geographic regions and traditional production methods.
EU quality policies play a crucial role in safeguarding these
products by protecting their names and ensuring they maintain their
distinct qualities linked to their geographical origins. The EU's
geographical indications system certifies that PDO products adhere
to stringent standards throughout every stage of production,
processing, and preparation, thereby preserving their authenticity
and ensuring superior quality.
Among the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) products
highlighted in the campaign, each represents a pinnacle of quality
and tradition. PDO Konservolia Rovion olives from central
Greece are prized for their
robustness and early harvest, boasting a crisp texture and
distinctive olive oil aroma shaped by the region's microclimate.
Meanwhile, PDO Konservolia Stylidas, cultivated in
Fthiotida, thrives under a temperate Mediterranean climate,
yielding olives renowned for their rich organoleptic profile and
balanced nutrients due to integrated environmental management
practices.
From the mountainous Aeghialia region comes PDO Korinthiaki
Stafida Vostizza, celebrated since ancient times for its
Corinthian Currant raisins. These raisins, known for their natural
sweetness and used widely in Greek pastries and snacks, undergo
meticulous sun-drying to ensure premium quality. Moving to the
mountainous Kozani region, PDO Krokos Kozanis saffron stands
out with its vivid color, floral aroma, and fine threads, harvested
by local families as a testament to Greece's agricultural heritage and meticulous
farming traditions.
PDO Graviera Kritis offers the most famous Cretan
cheese that captivates with its firm texture, distinct aroma, and
matured flavor derived from a blend of sheep and goat milk, all
crafted without preservatives. Meanwhile, PDO Mastiha Chiou
resin, exclusive to Southern Chios Island, holds deep cultural
roots and is revered for its therapeutic properties and historical
significance as the ancient world's first chewing gum.
Derived from PDO Mastiha, Mastiha oil is prized for its
rare aroma and nutritional benefits, used in antiseptic creams and
as a natural flavoring in foods, showcasing its antimicrobial
properties. Embodying the essence of "liquid gold," PDO Viannos
Irakliou Kritis olive oil from Crete and PDO Vorios Mylopotamos Rethymnis
Kritis olive oil from Rethymno showcase the region's optimal
climate and sustainable practices, resulting in oils of exceptional
quality, fruity taste, and golden hues.
Lastly, PDO Messara Extra Virgin Olive Oil from
Crete's Mesara region is renowned
for its robust, fruity aroma and peppery taste, characteristic of
the Koroneiki variety. Produced naturally without chemical
intervention, it maintains low acidity levels and offers high
nutritional value, perfect for enhancing Mediterranean cuisine. In
contrast, PDO Kolymvari Chanion Kritis Extra Virgin Olive
Oil from Chania, Crete, traces its
origins back to the Minoan civilization and represents a pinnacle
in olive oil production. Cold-pressed to preserve its distinct
flavor and aroma, this PDO-certified oil is esteemed globally for
its exceptional quality and nutritional richness, setting a
benchmark in olive oil excellence worldwide.
The "Premium European Products" campaign not only celebrates
these PDO treasures but also reinforces their economic and cultural
significance in promoting rural livelihoods and sustainable
agricultural practices throughout Europe. Consumers can trust PDO certification
to guarantee the origin and quality of these exceptional products,
ensuring a taste of tradition and excellence with every
purchase.
For more information about the "Premium European Products"
campaign and its associated programs, please visit
https://premiumeuropeanproducts.eu/.
Pages dedicated to this program can be found on Instagram,
Facebook and YouTube.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed
are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily
reflect those of the European Union or the European Research
Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting
authority can be held responsible for them.
About "PREMIUM EUROPEAN PRODUCTS" PROGRAM
The campaign: "Premium European Products: Better
Knowledge, Better Choices" is co-funded by the European Union
and managed by the National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of
Greece (ETHEAS) and the Latvian
Dairy Committee (LDC). It aims to promote exquisite added-value
products in Canada, South Korea, and Malaysia, 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. Spanning from 2024 to
2026, the program seeks to significantly elevate the profile of
European products in these markets through a four-pronged approach:
raising awareness, enhancing recognition among consumers,
increasing consumption, and boosting exports to Canada, Malaysia, and South
Korea.
The beneficiaries: The National Union of
Agricultural Cooperatives of Greece (ETHEAS), established by the Greek
State Law, coordinates over 300 agricultural cooperatives across
Greece, representing about 80% of
the total turnover of such cooperatives. It focuses on rural and
cooperative development, supports member activities domestically
and internationally, issues opinions on agricultural matters,
supervises cooperative promotion, and conducts educational
activities. The Latvian Dairy Committee (LDC), established
in 1995, represents Latvian milk producers and aims to protect
their interests. It consists of 17 members producing approximately
80% of industrially produced milk in Latvia.
SOURCE Premium European Products