European Recognition

 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.