Protected Geographical Indication: quality seal

The Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) is more than a badge; it is a symbol of authenticity and quality that connects a product with its origin. This seal ensures that each certified item maintains traditional techniques and deep local knowledge, providing a guarantee of uniqueness and excellence that consumers can appreciate. It is a reflection of the dedication of generations, preserving the history and customs that bring exceptional products to life. At Fundador, the PGI not only validates our commitment to tradition, but also highlights our ongoing effort to offer an unparalleled quality brandy.

What is the Protected Geographical Indication?

The Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) is a certification that is granted to products whose geographical origin and the quality of their production are intimately related. This seal guarantees that at least one of the stages of production, transformation or processing of the product is carried out in a specific geographical area, respecting local traditions. The PGI not only protects the origin of the product, but also the production techniques that distinguish it. This badge is part of the protection system for agricultural and food products of the European Union.

Like other quality seals, such as the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), the PGI helps to preserve the productive traditions of the regions and prevents the marketing of counterfeit or inferior quality products.

Differences between the Protected Geographical Indication and the Protected Designation of Origin

Although both the PGI and the PDO seek to protect the quality and origin of products, there are key differences between both terms.

• Production requirements: The PDO requires that all stages of production, from cultivation to final transformation, are carried out in the specified geographical area. On the other hand, the PGI allows only part of the production process to take place in the geographical area of origin. In summary:
  • The PDO is stricter, as it requires that all stages of production take place in the delimited area.
  • The PGI allows some stages of production to take place outside the geographical area, although there must always be a close relationship with the region of origin.
• Scope: The PDO is more associated with agricultural or food products with a strong territorial and traditional link, such as Jerez wines, while the PGI can be applied to a wider range of products, including processed ones, as long as the area of origin and production techniques are key to the quality.

Similarities of the PGI and PDO

Both seals aim to protect the origin and differentiated quality of the products, ensuring that consumers receive an authentic and high-quality product. Both the PGI and the PDO are essential tools to guarantee the traceability of the products, defend the work of local producers and prevent fraud in the market.

How many PGIs are there in Spain?

Spain is one of the countries with the highest number of products protected by the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). This legal figure allows the protection of products whose geographical origin and the quality of their production are closely related, ensuring that consumers receive authentic and high-quality products. Currently, there are more than 30 PGIs throughout the Spanish territory, covering a wide range of products, from food to spirits.

Below are some of the outstanding PGIs in various autonomous communities:

• Andalusia: This autonomous community is famous for Brandy de Jerez, which holds the PGI Brandy de Jerez. Other notable PGIs include Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the province of Jaén.
• Castilla-La Mancha: In this region we find products such as Ajo Morado de las Pedroñeras and the renowned Manchego Cheese, both protected under the PGI.
• Catalonia: In Catalonia, products such as Cava and Calçot de Valls enjoy the protection of the PGI.
• Extremadura: Extremadura has the PGI for Pimentón de la Vera and the PGI Cordero de Extremadura.
• Galicia: In Galicia, one of the most representative products with PGI is Ternera Gallega.
• Madrid: In the Community of Madrid, there is the Judión de La Granja, protected by the PGI.
• Castilla y León: This community hosts the PGI Lechazo de Castilla y León, highly appreciated in Spanish cuisine.

In addition to these products, other autonomous communities such as La Rioja, Murcia and Cantabria also have PGIs that cover agricultural products, dairy, meats and drinks.

You can consult the complete map of PGIs and their distribution by autonomous communities in the official documents provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Spain.

PGI in Spain and Brandy Fundador: Our PGI as a symbol of quality

A standout example of what the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) represents in Spain is Brandy Fundador. This brand has cultivated a reputation as a benchmark within the world of brandies thanks to its unwavering commitment to tradition and superior quality.

Brandy Fundador and its commitment to tradition

Brandy Fundador strictly complies with all the regulations of the Regulatory Council of Brandy de Jerez. This ensures that its production takes place within the delimited geographical area, applying traditional production techniques that have been passed down over the centuries. This PGI seal ensures that each bottle of Brandy Fundador not only meets the highest quality standards, but also respects and preserves the cultural heritage and history of the region.

The tradition of brandy in Jerez dates back to the time of the Phoenicians and the Arabs, who introduced the art of distillation. Since then, the knowledge and production techniques have been perfected and passed down from generation to generation, making Brandy de Jerez a recognizable and revered product worldwide.

The differentiated quality of Brandy Fundador

Brandy Fundador embodies the genuine meaning of a Protected Geographical Indication: a commitment to quality, origin and local tradition. Each bottle carries the PGI seal, offering the consumer the certainty that they are acquiring a top-quality product, produced with the deep knowledge and care that only the distillers of Jerez can offer.

The value of the PGI goes beyond the protection of the name and production methods. This distinction is a guarantee for consumers, ensuring that each product marked with the PGI has been made with deep respect for traditions and quality. This level of authenticity and excellence is not found in products without this important distinction.

Brandy Fundador in the International Market

Thanks to the PGI certification, products like the Brandy Fundador have the ability to continue their expansion and strengthen their position in international markets. Each bottle that carries the PGI seal is an ambassador of the rich history of Jerez and the quality of Spanish culture.

The Protected Geographical Indication is an essential tool to protect and promote the quality of products strongly connected with their region of origin. This seal ensures that products like Brandy Fundador continue to be emblematic examples of differentiated quality and authenticity, helping to preserve local traditions and providing consumers with genuine and exceptional products.

Our commitment to the PGI

If you wonder what it means to obtain the PGI certification, the answer is clear: it is the symbol of a commitment to excellence. It ensures that each bottle of brandy labeled with this seal has been made with the utmost respect for tradition and quality. This seal not only represents the effort of generations of producers, but also a promising future for products that, like Brandy Fundador, are true emblems of Spanish culture and gastronomy.