Throughout Europe there is an enormous range of
great foods. However, when a product acquires a
reputation extending beyond national borders it can
find itself in competition with products which pass
themselves off as the genuine article and take the
same name. This unfair competition not only discour-
ages producers but also misleads consumers. That is
why, in 1992, the European Union created systems
known as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), PGI
(Protected Geographical Indication) and TSG
(Traditional Speciality Guaranteed) to promote and
protect food products.
In 2003, even before Cyprus acceded the European
Union, the producers of the Loukoumi Geroskipou
utilised the special position that the Republic of
Cyprus held as a country in the process of acceding
the European Union and in cooperation with a private
developmental organization, the support of the
Geroskipou Municipality and after great efforts, it
submitted the first file of Cypriot product that claimed
validation with a Protected Geographical indication.
For almost five years and after consecutive controls
and bureaucratic procedures the “Loukoumi
Geroskipou” was officially included in January 2008 in
the European Registry of Products bearing a
Protected Geographical indication and making the
Loukoumi the first Cypriot product to be awarded the
specific recognition.
This event was a great issue in the world press since
Even before the procedure! wes completed the “Loukoumi Geroskipou” represented the Republic of Cyprus
in gastronomical and cultural events of various coun-
tries within and outside the E.U.
In 2012, Koufeta Amygdalou Geroskipou (sugared almond) became the 2nd Cypriot product awarded with PGI.
