IGP, DOP, STG Explained: A Guide to the Italian Specialties

If you are an enthusiast of Italian foods, specialties and products these acronyms are enormously important. The DOP, IGP and STG labels are guaranteed by the European Union regulations, that the products are "authentic" and that they represent the excellence of Italian agri-food production.

“DOP” LABEL, BEWARE OF IMITATIONS!

Next time you are shopping “Italiano”, don't forget to pay attention to the DOP label. Following a strict set of guidelines, it ensures the highest quality according to the Italian tradition! DOP is short for Denominazione di Origine Protetta (literally in English Protected Designation of Origin). The label displays a red DOP/PDO seal. This label guarantees that products you are eating are strictly grown, produced and packaged locally. Beware of imitations! Only DOP products, by law, can carry the word “traditional” on their labels and stamps, because they follow traditional methods. The DOP products could be pricey, but they are the most authentic tastes of Italy!

“IGP” LABEL, WHEN GEOGRAPHY COUNTS

Another important label on Italian products is the IGP. It stands for Indicazione Geografica Protetta (literally in English “Protected Geographical Indication”) label. The label displays a blue IGP/PGI seal. In this case, the product has to be closely linked to a specific geographical area. This label guarantees that at least one phase of the production or one primary ingredient originates in a specific geographical area.

“STG” LABEL, GUARANTEEING THE TRADITION

The STG acronym stands for Specialità tradizionale garantita (in English Traditional Guaranteed Specialty). This certification guarantees that a product’s quality is related to a process based on a traditional component or a traditional method. This label belongs to Neapolitan pizza and mozzarella.

ALMOST 300 FINE SPECIALITIES

In Europe, Italy is proudly the country with the highest number of specialty products certificated by the EU. We have 299 IGP, DOP, STG! Here you find the top 12: Grana Padano (DOP), Parmigiano Reggiano (DOP), Prosciutto di Parma (DOP), Aceto Balsamico di Modena (IGP), Mozzarella di Bufala Campana (DOP), Mortadella Bologna (IGP), Gorgonzola (DOP), Prosciutto San Daniele (DOP), Pecorino Romano (DOP), Bresaola della Valtellina (IGP), Neapolitan pizza (STG), Mozzarella (STG).

A SELECTION FOR YOU

Exploring Italy in search of quality and excellence, Magnifico gathers together for you a unique selection of the best and authentic Italian specialties. Italian excellence is just a click away!