A.O.C. (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée)

A.O.C. (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) is a French certification that guarantees a product, such as wine, cheese, or other food items, comes from a specific region and meets strict quality standards. It ensures the product's characteristics are naturally linked to its geographic origin, including climate, soil, and traditional methods. This system protects regional specialties from imitation and helps consumers trust the authenticity and quality of what they are purchasing. In essence, A.O.C. signifies a product's genuine regional identity and adherence to established standards.