Jerte cherries: Spanish research indicates preference for PGI and PDO products

08 Apr 2024
865

One in ten Spanish consumers choose products with a differentiated quality label. These are the data of a survey conducted by Origen España, released on the occasion of the closing of the Historias en tu mesa (Stories on your table) campaign. Spaniards recognise the value of protected designations of origin (PDOs) and geographical indications (PGIs). They identify them with local foods from different towns and villages in our country.

In fact, 12% said that the fact that a product has a quality label is an incentive to buy it. On the other hand, the study found that the quality-price combination is what Spaniards value most when it comes to filling their shopping trolley with food products. This was recognised by 84% of the respondents.

The Origen España survey also reveals that there are two products for which consumers prefer PDO or PGI options. These are wines and cheeses.

In this regard, a recent study by the consultancy firm Nielsen, reported by Economía Digital, indicated that around 60 per cent of the wine consumed in Spain in bars and restaurants carries the PDO mark. This product alone generates a turnover of more than 1,500 million euros.

Buyers' awareness of the value of designations of origin has also improved in recent years. In fact, 74% of respondents said they were aware of the concept and could identify different products. This figure represents an improvement over 2017.

In this regard, 28% associated the seal of protected designations and indications with indigenous products; 13% with quality; 9% with products unique to an area; and another 9% with foods that meet regulatory requirements.

Protected designations of origin and geographical indications have, since their introduction, served to boost local economies. They contribute not only to giving value to the products of farmers or breeders, but also to production areas. In economic terms, the value of designations of origin was estimated at 7.3 billion in 2018, with more than 353 Spanish quality marks registered in the EU. This figure represents an increase compared to 2017, according to Origen España.

In this case, the protected designation of origin of the Jerte cherry certifies the origin and quality of Jerte cherries and picotas since 1996 and helps to promote the product and the area where it is grown and packaged.

The food fraud problem

One of the main problems plaguing the different PDOs and PGIs in Spain is that of fraud. It is important to know the EU identification seals.

In the case of the PDO Cereza del Jerte, the fraud is related to the marketing of hand-stemmed cherries advertised as Picota del Jerte. An essential characteristic of the Picota del Jerte is that the stalk remains naturally on the tree.

The Guardia Civil was also present at the closing event of the Historias en tu mesa campaign, to present the Operational Procedure of collaboration with Origen España to combat food fraud since 2016.

Data show that in 2016, European consumers spent EUR 2.3 billion paying a higher price for products they considered PDO or PGI. In 2014, the infringement rate was 5.7 per cent, with a market value of EUR 266.1 million, according to Europa Press.

Sourc: Cereza del Jerte
Image: Fruta del Sarga


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Fruittrade 2024: Economic slowdown in China and implications for Chilean cherries

Markets

12 Nov 2024

An important consideration for Chilean cherries, however, is the economic state of their main buyer: China. Chinese trade expert Gonzalo Matamala, general manager of Giddings Cerasus Asia, with over 16 years of experience in the region, provided an overview of this vital market.

A collective project to combat Drosophila suzukii starts in France on the Monts du Lyonnais

Crop protection

14 Feb 2025

In the Parsada programme, financed by the French Ministry of Agriculture, several complementary levers have been identified. But these levers must be combined. It is not a question of applying isolated solutions, but of developing technical routes adapted to each situation.

In evidenza

Poland Hit by Frost: Cherry Production Down 30% in 2025/26

Markets

09 Jul 2025

Poland’s cherry output is forecast at just 115,000 tons in 2025/26, marking a 30% drop due to severe spring frosts. Early varieties were worst hit, with some orchards losing up to 90%. Imports rise sharply while domestic inventories vanish, tightening the EU market.

Digital twins for cherry trees: German research featured in Kansas (USA)

Tech management

09 Jul 2025

During the Precision Agriculture Conference in Manhattan, Kansas, German researchers unveiled For5G: a project using digital twins to monitor cherry tree growth. This technology enables accurate yield forecasting, smarter crop management and adaptation to climate-related challeng

Tag Popolari