More than Food - United States
Food and drinks from the European Union (EU) are more than just food and drinks. Each burst of flavor has its own character and behind every ingredient, there is a story. These stories tell of tradition and artisanship going back centuries, making food from the European Union truly unique, with authentic recipes handed down from generation to generation.
Merits of EU food
Authenticity is at the heart of food and drinks from the European Union. Behind each product there is a story steeped in tradition, passed down through generations. The result is an incredible variety of unique products and tastes that reflects the diversity of soils, climates and cultures in Europe. Food and drinks that you might recognise by name are tied to these origins and can be protected by Geographical Indications (GI), which means that they cannot be reproduced elsewhere.
European food and drinks are synonymous with exceptional quality, applied to every step of the production process. Skilled European farmers and makers blend age-old wisdom with modern methods to craft top-notch food and drinks. Rigorous quality checks follow every step, from seed to sip, from farm to fork, ensuring transparency and taste in every bite. And the EU Quality Labels (PDO, PGI, and Organic) signify a commitment that surpasses standards.
Quality products are about more than just taste. In the European Union, food safety is an unwavering priority – from the farmer’s fields to your table. Strict health and safety standards are in place all along the production and supply chain – monitoring everything from pesticides to packaging, disease prevention to hygiene and more. Labels clearly indicate the contents of food and drinks, so you can trust and enjoy European foodstuffs without any surprises. This transparency aids in building trust, that each product is more than food.
The food system, from production to consumption and waste, has a significant impact on the environment. With its Farm to Fork Strategy, the European Commission aims to create a sustainable EU food system that safeguards food security and protects people and the natural world. The strategy provides a framework for legislation targeting pesticides, animal welfare, food waste, a carbon farming initiative, the reform of the EU farm system, and more. The strategy will complement existing EU legislation and build a comprehensive framework that covers the whole food supply chain, guaranteeing the sustainability of EU food.
Authenticity, quality, safety, sustainability, it all comes together in the products. Food and drinks, from olive oil to cheese, from wine to meat, from pasta to cereal, from dairy to chocolate, and more. In a world increasingly seeking transparency and traceability, European food and beverage products stand out as beacons of excellence. European gastronomy is unique in its deep-rooted traditions, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to safety and sustainability. Food and drinks from 27 member states, from seed to table, and farm to fork, it is all guided by a relentless pursuit of quality.
European Quality Labels
Food and drinks product names registered as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) have the strongest links to the place in which they are produced. To be a PDO, all aspects of production, preparation and processing must take place in the specified region of origin.
The Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) label emphasizes that the quality, reputation or another characteristic of a product is largely attributable to the geographical location in which it was produced.
The EU organic logo can only be used on products that have fulfilled strict conditions on how they must be produced, processed, transported and stored. Products carrying the EU organic logo contain at least 95% of organic ingredients and additionally respect further strict conditions for the remaining 5%.