While the PDO label is for products whose entire production cycle, from raw material to finished product, is certified as taking place within a defined geographical area (and therefore unique to that area), PGI is the European quality label for agricultural products and foods where at least one phase of the production process has unique links to a specific geographical area.
Here, too, producers and manufacturers must follow strict regulations similar in type to the PDO label standards and are subject to monitoring by independent bodies that ensure compliance along every step of the production chain.
PDO and PGI labels are both protected by European and national institutions, which together with the strict compliance regulations, guarantees consumers as to the quality of the certified products during the whole production and marketing cycle.