AOP (Appellation d'Origine Protégée)

AOP, or Appellation d'Origine Protégée, is a quality certification in the European Union that protects food products linked to specific regions. It ensures that items like cheese, wine, and olive oil are made according to traditional methods and meet strict standards of production. This designation guarantees authenticity and origin, meaning a product labeled AOP comes from a particular area and is made using specific techniques, maintaining its unique characteristics. Essentially, AOP helps preserve cultural heritage and supports local economies by promoting genuine regional specialties.