• Romanian producers have successfully entered the list of the European elite thanks to certifications that recognize the specificity and quality of certain local products.
The European Union protects the names of certain agricultural and food products through certification systems such as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG). These labels provide legal protection, promote authenticity and support local producers.
EU policy on the quality of food and agricultural products includes several dimensions: protecting intellectual property rights, supporting local traditions and promoting high standards. These measures give consumers the certainty that labelled products have a genuine link to their region of origin or traditional production methods.
Geographical indications
A can be granted "geographical indication" (GI) for product names, if they have a certain connection with the place where they are produced. GI recognition allows consumers to distinguish and trust quality products, while helping producers to better promote their products.
Products that are under consideration or have obtained recognition as GIs are included in registers of geographical indicationsThe registers also include information on geographical and production specifications for each product.
Recognized as intellectual property, geographical indications play an increasingly important role in trade negotiations between the EU and other countries.
Other EU quality systems focus on the traditional production process or on products made in difficult natural areas, such as mountainous or island areas.
There are three main categories:
- PDO (Protected Designation of Origin): It refers to products whose production, processing and preparation take place exclusively in a specific region.
- PGI (Protected Geographical Indication): It recognizes a specific link between a product and its region, even if only part of the production process takes place there.
- TSG (Traditional Speciality Guaranteed): It protects traditional production methods, without being tied to a specific region.
Romanian products recognized at European level
Romania has 13 certified products that embody gastronomic specificity and local traditions:
1. Turda Salt Flats (PGI): A smoked and dried pork preparation, matured and seasoned, originating from the Turda area.
2. Pita de Pecica (PGI): A thick-crust artisan bread baked in traditional ovens. It is made from wheat flour, fresh yeast, water, and iodized salt.
3. Dobrogean Pie (PGI): Traditional pastry product from the Dobrogea region, made with thin sheets of dough and a filling of salty Telemea cheese, mixed with curd and eggs.
4. Sibiu Telemeaua (PGI): A semi-hard cheese made from raw sheep's milk, with a unique taste thanks to the meadows of Transylvania.
5. Pleșcoi Sausages (PGI): Traditional sausages made from mutton and beef, with a history spanning centuries.
6. Smoked Danube Mackerel (PGI): Migratory fish from the Black Sea, smoked according to local methods.
7. Smoked Novac from Țara Bârsei (PGI): Fish fillets raised in unique conditions, traditionally smoked.
8. Telemeaua de Ibănești (PDO): A cheese with a pleasant taste, salted with natural brine from the wells of the Gurghiu Valley.
9. Sibiu Salami (PGI): Raw-dried, matured and smoked salami, prepared with noble mold cultures.
10. Topoloveni plum jam (PGI): Natural plum paste, without preservatives, cooked at a controlled temperature.
11. Săveni Cheese (PGI): Matured cheese, produced in the Botoșani region, with a distinct taste.
12. Salad with Tulcea pike roe (PGI): Prepared from the Danube Delta, with local ingredients and traditional process.
13. Traditional salad with carp roe (STG): Carp roe cream, produced according to classic recipes.
Along with the 13 products already certified, other Romanian products are in the process of obtaining recognition at the European level. These are: Vâlcea axe sausages; Deltaic sturgeon batog; Buzău Babic; Teaca kneaded cheese; Poiana Mărului salami; Sadu beer.
The impact of certifications on Romania
These certifications ensure international recognition of products, contribute to the development of the local economy and protect culinary heritage. They represent not only an economic advantage, but also a confirmation of cultural identity.
Romanian producers are now part of a European network that celebrates traditions, quality and authenticity, combining the past with innovation.
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor-in-Chief Arta Albă
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