AFIDOP Associatiion
Italian DOP and IGP Cheeses Association
WHAT IS AFIDOP?
AFIDOP (Italian PDO and PGI Cheeses Association) brings together and represents the main Consortia for Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) cheeses produced in Italy. From large-scale to small-scale productions, the association covers nearly all certified cheeses made in Italy, representing a vast and highly representative sector. Founded in April 1994, the association has always been committed to promoting the knowledge of certified Italian cheeses by providing clear and comprehensive information about their uniqueness and quality, while supporting the Consortia in their activities. AFIDOP’s efforts to promote and enhance PDO and PGI cheeses extend across multiple areas and through numerous initiatives, such as organizing institutional or promotional events, participating in international fairs and exhibitions, and publishing educational materials that highlight the value of the PDO and PGI cheese sector and the unique characteristics of individual cheeses.
ANTONIO AURICCHIO
AFIDOP PRESIDENT
Antonio Auricchio, already at the helm of the Gorgonzola Protection Consortium, since 2021 is the president of Afidop, the Italian DOP and IGP Cheeses Association. “We are faced with an epochal transformation of the European food sector and of the system of geographical indications – underlined Auricchio – which sees Italy and DOP and IGP cheeses as world leaders. Many challenges therefore await us in the coming years. Challenges that don't scare me and for which I will commit myself 'heart and soul'. With a strong team like the one elected today I am sure that we will be able to face it with our heads held high and with great determination."
DOP
A ‘Designation of Origin’ of an agricultural product is a name which identifies a product: originating in a specific place, region or, in exceptional cases, a country whose quality or characteristics are essentially or exclusively due to a particular geographical environment with its inherent natural and human factors and the production steps of which all take place in the defined geographical area.
IGP
A ‘Geographical Indication’ of an agricultural product is a name which identifies a product originating in a specific place, region or country whose given quality, reputation or other characteristic is essentially attributable to its geographical origin; and at least one of the production steps of which takes place in the defined geographical area.
Association of Italian Cheeses DOP and IGP
Cheeses
Regions
Consortiums
AFIDOP
ITALIAN CHEESE ASSOCIATION D.O.P. and I.G.P.
Italian PDO cheeses are deeply rooted in the history and news of our country. Their fame is closely linked to the territory in which they were born and is due to the wise and assiduous work of our ancestors, of those who knew how to preserve and pass on to new generations a unique and inimitable knowledge in transforming milk. It is also thanks to them that today these cheeses can triumph on the tables of restaurants and families all over the world.