NEW logos for food and drink products with European Union Protected Food Name (EUPFN) status have today been unveiled by the Uk Government.

At the end of the transition period, all existing protected UK products under the scheme will automatically get protection under a new UK Geographical Indications (GI) status scheme.

Wales currently has 16 protected food and drink products, with the Tivyside area well represented with products such as Carmarthen Ham (PGI), West Wales Coracle Caught Salmon (PGI), West Wales Coracle Caught Sewin (PGI), Traditionally Reared Pedigree Welsh Pork (TSG), and Traditional Welsh Caerphilly (PGI).

Protected products benefit from a high profile and are recognised for their special qualities by consumers across the world.

The new logos, which the Welsh Government has worked with Defra, GI producers and consumers on their development, will represent the unique and protected nature of these products to consumers.

It will provide confidence the protected product is linked to origin and is authentic while protecting makers against imitations.

Welsh Government Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths said: “We are incredibly proud of our world-renowned Welsh food and drink sector. Wales currently has 16 protected food and drink products, all of which will be given automatic recognition in the new UK GI scheme, which will come into force at the end of the transition period.

“The new logos will ensure our protected products continue to be officially recognised for their authenticity, uniqueness and high quality.”

There are three UK GI logos, which mark each designation of geographical indication:

  • Protected designation of origin (PDO);
  • Protected geographical indication (PGI)
  • Traditional speciality guaranteed (TSG)

Registered producers of British food, drink and agricultural GI products that are required to use the logos will have until January 1, 2024 to change packaging to display the new UK GI logos.

Legislation laid in the UK Parliament will enable the new GI schemes to be administered, ensure continue protection of existing products, establish the new logos and simplify the application process.