Appellation d'Origine Protégée

Appellation d'Origine Protégée (AOP) is a European certification that designates and protects agricultural products, especially wines, cheeses, and other regional specialties, that originate from specific geographical areas. The designation ensures that the product is made using traditional methods and ingredients sourced from the defined region.

1. Geographical Link: The product must come from a specific area, and its characteristics are deeply tied to the local climate, soil, and know-how.

2. Traditional Methods: The production, processing, and preparation of the product must adhere to established techniques passed down through generations.

3. Strict Regulation: Standards for production and quality are rigorously defined and monitored by regulatory bodies.

The AOP label, introduced in 1992 under European Union law, replaced many national systems like the French Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC). It is considered the highest level of protection and authenticity for regional products in Europe.