“Mozzarella di Gioia del Colle” obtains PDO
With the publication in the Official Journal of the European Union on 9 December, the implementing regulation of the “Mozzarella di Gioia del Colle” cheese for registration in the register of protected designations of origin (PDO) and protected geographical indications (PGI) becomes definitive, reports the European Food Agency.
“After a long and not easy process, which I followed step by step trying to do my part to overcome the difficulties, the mozzarella of ‘Gioia del Colle’ is finally and officially PDO”, declared the undersecretary for agricultural policies, Giuseppe L ‘Abbate. “This excellence of the Apulian and Italian gastronomic and cultural heritage is finally recognised and protected. My best wishes go to the promoters and I invite all of us to roll up our sleeves to enhance this excellent product in the world which, if well conveyed and marketed, will be able to guarantee a greater income even for our breeders”.
The Murgian tradition of transforming milk into stretched curd has historical roots that go back to the past, proven by numerous evidences, and represents a typical expression of the Apulian territory. This is the 311st Italian denomination registered and, in its approval process, it first had to overcome some internal resistances and, then, some findings from Germany and the United States.
“It is important, however, not to think of PDO as a point of arrival but rather as a first step towards an enhancement and protection beyond the borders of a typical product of the Apulian territory”, continued L’Abbate. “It will be fundamental, in fact, its adequate promotion that confers that added value capable of gratifying both livestock activities and dairies and dairy companies. The commitment of the Ministry of Agricultural Policies will not fail to support Apulian producers and processors, to whom I renew all my availability”.
