The three schemes in one line each
- PDO (Protected Designation of Origin): every production step, from raw material to finished product, happens in the defined geographic area, using traditional know-how.
- PGI (Protected Geographical Indication): at least one step of production happens in the defined area; the link to origin is real but less strict than PDO.
- Organic (BIO): a farming and processing standard, unrelated to geography; certified against EU Regulation 2018/848.
PDO in practice
For Greek food buyers, PDO is the strongest guarantee of authenticity. Feta PDO must be produced in mainland Greece and Lesvos, from at least 70% sheep's milk with the balance from goat, using traditional methods. Kalamata olive oil PDO must come from a defined zone in Messenia. If a supplier offers you "PDO feta produced in Bulgaria," it is not PDO feta, and cannot legally be sold as such in the EU.
Documentation to request: the producer's PDO certification, the batch code linking your shipment to a certified production run, and the control-body reference.
PGI in practice
PGI is a real quality mark, but the legal bar is lower. For PGI Crete olive oil, the olives must be grown and milled on Crete but bottling may happen elsewhere within defined rules. For buyers this usually means: strong geographic story, slightly more flexibility, generally lower price than PDO.
Organic (BIO) in practice
Organic is a process certification. The producer's fields, mill or dairy, packaging site and supply chain are audited annually by an accredited control body. In the EU, the finished pack must carry the green Euro-leaf logo and the code of the control body (for example EL-BIO-01 for a Greek producer).
Organic and PDO are compatible. Organic PDO Kalamata olive oil or organic PDO feta are both legitimate and commercially attractive positions.
Private-label implications
Under private label the certification belongs to the producer, not to the brand. You may use the PDO / PGI / BIO name and logo on your artwork provided:
- The producer holds a live certification for the specific SKU you are packing.
- The final artwork is approved by the producer and, for organic, by the control body.
- Every finished pack carries the required legal information (control-body code, batch, product designation).
- You keep on file the certificates covering every production run of your programme.
Common misconceptions
- "Greek-style feta" is not feta. Feta is a legally protected name in the EU.
- "Kalamata-type olives" grown outside the Kalamata PDO zone may be sold as "Kalamon" but not as "Kalamata PDO."
- PGI does not mean lower quality; it means a different, still-enforceable link to origin.
- Organic is not a taste or nutrition claim; it is a process claim.
Buyer FAQ
Questions we hear repeatedly from importers, distributors, retailers and HoReCa buyers.
What is the difference between PDO and PGI?
PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) requires that every stage of production, processing and preparation happens in the defined geographical area. PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) only requires that at least one of those stages happens in the area. PDO is the stricter mark.
Who controls PDO certification in Greece?
ELGO-DIMITRA is the competent authority. Individual PDOs are audited by ELGO-DIMITRA directly or by delegated control bodies. Each PDO producer holds a unique control number that appears on the shipping and commercial documents.
Can I put my brand on a PDO product?
Yes, under private label, but the PDO producer's identity and control number must remain visible on the pack and in the documentation. The PDO belongs to the producer inside the designated zone, not to the brand owner.
Is organic (BIO) the same as PDO?
No. Organic is a production-method certification under EU Reg. 2018/848 and is independent of geography. A product can be PDO and organic, PDO only, organic only, or neither.
Which organic control bodies operate in Greece?
BIO Hellas, DIO (Organisation for Control and Certification of Organic Products) and TÜV Hellas are the main accredited bodies. All issue transaction certificates traceable through the EU TRACES NT system.
Does PDO status extend outside the EU?
Yes, when bilateral agreements exist. Feta, Kalamata olives and Greek olive oil PDOs are protected under EU trade agreements with Canada (CETA), Japan (EPA), Singapore, Vietnam, the UK and others. The list expands over time.
How do I verify a PDO claim on an offer?
Ask the producer for its control body name and control number. Cross-check on the EU eAmbrosia register and, for organic, on the TRACES NT organic transaction certificate for the specific batch.
Are PDO products more expensive?
Usually yes, because of controlled geography, controlled method and audit costs. The premium is justified where the buyer's positioning depends on protected authenticity.