Commissioner McGuinness calls for more Irish producers to use EU quality label

Over 3,600 producers across Europe have the EU quality mark but only 13 of them are Irish. 

The European Commission tent at the Ploughing is packed with information and entertainment to promote EU opportunities. A central feature this year is to raise awareness about the EU quality mark that can benefit traditional, authentic Irish food and drink producers, as well as consumers.

The tent showcases amazing Irish producers  that have already achieved the EU quality mark including: Irish Grass Fed Beef, Achill Island Sea Salt, Oriel Sea Salt, the Waterford Blaa, Connemara Hill Lamb, Sneem Black Pudding, Imokilly Regato, Irish Poitín, Irish Whiskey and Irish Cream. 

Mairead McGuinness, EU Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union, said:

"In a globalised world with more and more standardised food, cheese, meat, wine or whisky– consumers want to know how a product has been made and where it comes from. A name that is recognised with a EU quality mark tells a story of history and heritage and provides consumers with a guarantee of the authenticity of a product.

I believe that there are more interesting Irish agricultural products and spirit drinks out there that could benefit from registration with this EU quality mark.  I’d like to encourage Irish producers to be part of this success story by reflecting on the place of origin of Irish products, rediscovering what is special about them and valuing this. It could make a major contribution to the safeguarding of our Irish and European farming and culinary heritage now and for the future."

More information: 

What is the EU’s ‘Geographical Indications’ scheme and symbol? 

The EU’s ‘Geographical Indications’ (GI) scheme has been established to distinguish and publicise traditional products. These symbols (see below) appear on product packaging. They guarantee that an EU product is authentic, not an imitation or counterfeit, and serve to reinforce its national and international recognition. 

On 6 September 2024, a total of 3628 names are registered at Union level (1648 names of wine products, 1716 names of agricultural products, 264 names of spirit drinks). 

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) is reserved for the names of products with the strongest link between its characteristics and its geographical origin. Raw materials and production steps all take place in the specific geographical area, and the quality and the characteristics of the final product are determined by these local ingredients and producers’ know-how.

A Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and a Geographical Indication (GI) also links a product to a geographical area, through its quality, characteristics and/or reputation. At least one of the production, processing or preparation processes must take place in the specific region. However, the raw materials do not necessarily need to come from that region. In the case of spirits, it applies to drinks that are distilled or manufactured in the specific geographical area.

What benefits do GIs offer?

The GI system offers economic, social, and cultural benefits for producers, consumers, and regions associated with specific products.

• GI-labelled products often command premium prices due to their association with quality, tradition, and origin. Consumers are willing to pay more for products with unique characteristics tied to specific regions.
• Producers can distinguish their products in highly competitive markets by emphasizing authenticity and regional identity. 
• GIs protect producers from unfair competition by preventing unauthorised use of a product's name, thus ensuring fair market competition and preserving the economic value of the authentic product.
• By promoting regional products, GIs encourage sustainable rural development and employment opportunities. They foster local investment, tourism, and pride in regional craftsmanship and contribute to economic growth in the demarcated area.
• GIs guarantee that the products meet specific production standards (each GI product has its own product specification), providingguarantees to consumers on the  products’ quality, origin and authenticity.

More information

Number of GIs per EU members state

eAmbrosia: the EU geographical indications register