Caviar d’Aquitaine: Protected Geographical Indication Granted in Europe

Aquitaine Caviar: A European First with Protected Geographical Indication

The European Union has officially recognized Aquitaine caviar with a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), marking a significant milestone for this delicacy. The certification, granted on Tuesday, ensures the traceability, transparency, and certified origin and quality of Aquitaine caviar.

A Decade-Long Endeavor

The IGP is the culmination of over a decade of collaborative efforts by the Caviar d’Aquitaine association, representing four producers: Kaviar Group, Esturgeonnière, Caviar de France, and Prunier Manufacture. The association’s chairman, Patrice Foissac, expressed pride and satisfaction over the achievement, recognizing the long and meticulous work that led to this recognition.

Traceability and Quality Control

For consumers, the IGP guarantees a strict adherence to production standards, from the birth of the sturgeon fry to the packaging of the caviar. All stages of production are now rigorously monitored by a certification body accredited by the Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (INAO), the French national institute for quality and origin control.

The IGP establishes specific organoleptic criteria, ensuring the distinctive taste and texture of Aquitaine caviar. It also requires that all production steps be carried out within a defined geographical area. This area encompasses a vast region of the Aquitaine Basin and the Adour-Garonne River Basin, including parts of Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, and several municipalities in Charente, Charente-Maritime, Dordogne, Gers, and Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

Anchor in Aquitaine

Aquitaine’s sturgeon farming industry emerged in the 1990s, with the first farms established in the Isle and Arcachon basins. Today, eleven fish farms are spread across the region, producing approximately 16 tons of caviar annually. France is the primary market for Aquitaine caviar, accounting for 76% of sales.

Combating Usurpation

The PGI will also help combat the usurpation of the Aquitaine caviar name by products that do not originate from the certified farms. It protects the reputation and authenticity of this prized delicacy.

Preserving a Delicacy

The IGP recognition not only safeguards the quality and integrity of Aquitaine caviar but also supports the local economy and preserves a culinary tradition. It is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the producers and a source of pride for the region.

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