Foodlaw-Reading
Dr David Jukes, The University of Reading, UK
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Commission Daily News, 17 June 2016
The Commission has approved today the addition of a new product from the United Kingdom to the quality register of Protected Designations of Origin (PDO). 'Conwy Mussels' are wild mussels that grow naturally in the Conwy Estuary in North Wales. They are harvested using the ancient Welsh tradition of hand raking during the mussels fishing season running from 1 September to 30 April. 'Conwy Mussels', well-known by top chefs for their rich, salty taste and high meat content, are the 60th food name from the UK to be protected (Protected Geographical Indications, Protected Designations of Origins, and Traditional Speciality Guaranteed altogether).
Geographic Indications increase the market value of the products by guaranteeing that they are distinguishable from other similar products or foodstuffs. In 2010, the sale of UK Geographical Indications (GI) products amounted to over €5 billion annually. The introduction of a GI has the potential to boost farmers' revenues, promote the rural economy and contribute to maintaining the population in rural areas. In addition, consumers will be able to make more informed choices on the basis of clear information on the specific characteristics of the products they buy.
More information: Commission webpages on quality products at: http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/quality/schemes/index_en.htm and DOOR database of protected products at: http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/quality/door/list.html.
