A Protected Geographical Indication (IGP) identifies an agricultural product, raw or processed, whose quality, reputation or other characteristics are attributable to its geographical origin. The IGP applies to the agricultural, agri-food and wine sectors. The IGP was created under European regulation in 1992. The IGP originally concerned specific food products bearing a geographical name and related to their geographical origin. This mark was extended to wine in 2009.
Craft Geographical Indications were created in 2013. Around thirty projects are currently under examination at the INPI.
Good to know : A product protected by IGP is identifiable by a blue and yellow badge, mandatory since 2016. This label has existed since 1992.
Discover the range of IGP foie gras available in the Maison Louis shop
How to obtain the official sign linked to quality and origin (SIQO)?
To be eligible for the official quality and origin mark (SIQO), at least one stage of production, processing or elaboration of this product must take place within the geographical area classified for this determination.
For wines, all activities carried out from the harvesting of grapes to the end of vinification are carried out within the geographical zone in question. It should be noted that IGP is also linked to a know-how. It is not created; it recognises an existing product and thus protects it at national and international level.
IGP may be based on the reputation of a product, understood as strong public recognition at a given time, and must be linked to a know-how or a genuine quality of origin.
The rules for the elaboration of IGP are defined in a specifications document and follow control procedures, implemented by an independent body approved by INAO.
Some claims are subject to legal proceedings. Geographic boundaries can be a source of tension, as by excluding certain municipalities, some manufacturers find their IGP removed. This means that Le Mans Rillettes have been hoping for this precious label for more than 25 years!
A few figures concerning IGP
For all products under IGP, it is estimated that there is 4.8 billioneuros in turnover. For agrifood products, 146 IGPs are registered in France. For the wine sector, 74 wines are registered as IGP in France and 2 IGP for cider.
Once a product has obtained an IGP, only manufacturers in the relevant geographic area can claim the name of the associated product. This also applies to a phonetically similar name, such as “Verlados” for Calvados. Since IGP is a European mark, it is protected throughout the European Union.
