What is the difference between PDO and PGI?

PDO (Protected Designation of Origin, DOP in Italian) means that every stage, from the raw material to the finished product, takes place in the stated area and follows a production specification. PGI (Protected Geographical Indication, IGP in Italian) means that at least one stage takes place there and that the product owes its quality or reputation to that place.

What about wines: DOC and DOCG?

In the EU register all Italian DOC and DOCG wines are PDOs, while IGT wines correspond to PGIs. DOCG is the highest Italian classification, with stricter controls, and it is shown on the label.

How do I recognise a PDO or PGI product?

The label carries the registered name and the EU logo: red and yellow for PDO, blue and yellow for PGI. In Italy you will usually see the Italian abbreviations DOP and IGP. The protected name cannot be used by products from other areas or made by a different method.

Food and drink · Calabria

What to eat in Calabria

The dishes to look out for on menus and the products protected by a European designation: 22 PDOs and PGIs, plus 20 wines.

22 PDO and PGI products10 PDO wines · 10 PGI

Dishes to try

'Nduja the spicy, spreadable salami of Spilinga.
Tropea red onion raw, sweet-and-sour or in a frittata.
Pesce spada alla ghiotta swordfish stew, in Scilla and Bagnara.
Fileja pasta rolled by hand around an iron rod, with a spicy sauce.
Caciocavallo silano and soppressata from the Sila.
Liquorice and bergamot in Rossano and Reggio.
Cirò, Greco di Bianco, Magliocco the wines of Calabria.

PDO and PGI products

The official list of products registered in the European Union, under their registered (Italian) names. Tap a name for its production specification and register entry.

Cheese 3

Caciocavallo Silano PDO also in other regions
Pecorino Crotonese PDO
Pecorino del Monte Poro PDO

Cured meats and meat 4

Fruit, vegetables, pulses and grains 7

Extra virgin olive oils 4

Bread, pasta and sweets 2

Liquirizia di Calabria PDO
Torrone di Bagnara PGI

Vinegars, honey, spices and more 2

Wines

10 designations of origin (DOC and DOCG, “PDO” in the European register) and 10 typical geographical indications (IGT, “PGI”).

DOC and DOCG 10

IGT 10

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between PDO and PGI?: PDO (Protected Designation of Origin, DOP in Italian) means that every stage, from the raw material to the finished product, takes place in the stated area and follows a production specification. PGI (Protected Geographical Indication, IGP in Italian) means that at least one stage takes place there and that the product owes its quality or reputation to that place.
What about wines: DOC and DOCG?: In the EU register all Italian DOC and DOCG wines are PDOs, while IGT wines correspond to PGIs. DOCG is the highest Italian classification, with stricter controls, and it is shown on the label.
How do I recognise a PDO or PGI product?: The label carries the registered name and the EU logo: red and yellow for PDO, blue and yellow for PGI. In Italy you will usually see the Italian abbreviations DOP and IGP. The protected name cannot be used by products from other areas or made by a different method.

Source: eAmbrosia, the European Commission's register of geographical indications, names registered as of 11 November 2026. Some products are protected in more than one region; TSGs (traditional specialities guaranteed) are not listed, as they are not tied to a territory.

In the other regions

← Guide to Calabria