More charcuterie from Corsica awarded controversial EU protection
Some producers on the French island fear different labels will confuse customers
Protected Corsican charcuterie Figatelli (top right) and examples of coppa and lonzo (bottom right)
Andrew Mayovskyy / Kelly Ermis / RVillalon / Shutterstock
Four Corsican charcuterie items have been granted protected geographical indication (PGI) status by the European Commission.
Pancetta, Saucisson sec, Bulagna and Figatelli – all under the l’Ile de Beauté label – have been added to the European register, which features 1,643 foods.
They join coppa, lonzo and jambon sec charcuterie that obtained European protected status in 2021 under the same label name.
Already a stricter PDO/AOP certification
Not everyone was happy when the French authorities approved the application for the produce.
Many believe it will create confusion as there is already a protected designation of origin (PDO/AOP) certification for Corsican charcuterie.
Read more: French wine appellations AOP and IGP - what is the point?
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The geographical criteria are stricter for the PDO label, as all stages of production must take place in the area, whereas the PGI is more concerned with recognising local savoir-faire.
Whereas PGI (IGP in French) status guarantees that the meat is 100% French and was processed in Corsica, PDO certification guarantees it was ‘grown’ and processed on the island.
Several other Corsican products have PDO status, including vin de Corse, Patrimonio and Ajaccio wine, brocciu cheese, honey, and olive oil.
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