Geographical Indication Labels for Food Products: A Literature Review

Abstract

Geographical Indication labels are an increasingly popular alternative among producers and governments seeking to protect the products and producers of their countries. This trend has grown due to the opening of markets and consumers’ increasing desire to know the origin of the products they purchase. A bibliographic review was conducted, including studies on the feasibility of applying quality labels, the associated challenges, and examples. This review identifies the processes involved in obtaining Designation of Origin and presents a positive perspective on their application. It was concluded that obtaining a differentiated quality label can improve production and quality of life, provided that it is the result of an evaluation of the area’s context and the main actors in production chains.

1. Introduction

Rural areas are becoming increasingly integrated into the global economy and society. This is due to globalization, technological advances, and greater access to international markets. The relationship between what and where products are produced emerges as a factor of differentiated quality for products that have lagged behind export and local government improvement plans. The area from which products originate gives them their cultural heritage and roots. This gives them a unique quality that allows them to compete with other products already established in the market [1].

For several years, consumers have been increasingly purchasing ecological, organic, environmentally friendly, and socially enriching products. This has led to the creation of labels and brands that distinguish these products from others [2].

From 1990 onwards, countries interested in protecting their food products began establishing legal frameworks for their specialty products, excluding wines, which had already been regulated for many years. In some European Union territories, these regulations coincided with projects such as tourist routes, standards, and regulations intended to encourage local development, increase consumption, and publicize these certification labels. These projects promoted territorial rootedness and appropriated producers to their territory, traditions, and know-how [3].

Appellations of origin are less common in Latin America than in other parts of the world, particularly the European Union. Although these quality labels are becoming better known in Latin American countries, it has had less impact than expected at the local level, as most consumers prefer cheaper products due to the economic situation [4]. This behavior is also common in many developing countries around the world. In this context, it is important to analyze differentiated quality labels, emphasizing the denomination of origin as a marketing strategy and tool for differentiation in the food industry. It is also important to contextualize this concept in the Americas, whose characteristics differ greatly from those in Europe.

The objective of this work has been to evaluate the implications of the valorization processes of Geographical Indication labels at the world level, focusing on differentiated quality labeling and the scope they have had in the places where they have been applied. Methodologically, a documentary review was conducted from the European and Latin American contexts to identify the strategies employed and the results obtained. The case of Ecuador for the application of quality seals is taken as a point of departure for the discussion of the European versus Latin American perspective.

2. Materials and Methods

A qualitative methodology was used based on a systematic review of the published scientific literature, focusing on recent high-impact studies between 2019 and 2025 using academic databases such as Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), ScienceDirect (Elsevier), and SpringerLink. Boolean combinations of keywords such as “differentiated quality labels”, “food quality labels”, “geographical indications”, “certification schemes”, “PDO”, “PGI”, and “organic food labeling” were used. Studies that met the following criteria were considered for analysis: Published between 2019 and 2025, written in English or Spanish, publications indexed in scientific journals, and studies focused on the analysis of differentiated quality labels in the European and Latin American contexts. Duplicate articles between databases, opinions, essays, opinion columns, and non-peer-reviewed publications were excluded. From an initial total of 223 articles identified, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 90 relevant studies were selected to form the theoretical and analytical basis of this review.

3. Food Quality

Food quality is defined as the sum of attributes that ensure its production and commercialization, including nutritional and energetic attributes, as well as the proper monitoring of potential impacts [5,6]. Thus, the food industry studies dietary regimens based on diet and cultural behavior, relating the amount of nutrients to energy balance [7] to evaluate dietary patterns and maintain healthy habits in the long term [8].

Globally, several frameworks regulate and guide the understanding and implementation of food quality. The Codex Alimentarius, developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and World Health Organization, serves as a key international benchmark, establishing science-based standards to ensure fair trade and consumer protection in over 188 countries. Additionally, International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), and region-specific schemes like the European Union’s Quality Policy (including PDO, PGI, and TSG) provide structured approaches to managing food quality and safety in different market contexts.

Consumer preferences increasingly reflect concerns about sustainability, authenticity, and locality. This has led to the proliferation of quality labels, including organic certifications, fair trade seals, and Geographical Indications, which serve to both protect traditional knowledge and meet evolving consumer expectations.

The food sector today combines industrial and artisanal processes with environmentally friendly methodologies in the achievement of adequate and safe consumer products. Producers work hand in hand with technological processes to improve processes, so that the negative impact generated is the minimum possible [6].

For food manufacturers, quality is the main criterion for marketing their products abroad. The next most important criterion is “100% natural product, different/innovative, handmade” [5]. This growing consumer demand for high-quality food requires the agri-food industry to produce food that, in addition to meeting nutritional needs, is also safe, appetizing, and healthy, which is guaranteed by meeting its dimensions: physical and economic access, safety, quality, and the guarantee that its characteristics do not change during the established time of consumption [9].

In addition, consumers are concerned about managing the production chain, especially livestock origin, value addition, and food distribution, which can cause problems to the ecosystem [10]. Globally, the indiscriminate use of antimicrobial drugs (AM) in livestock can lead to the acquisition of antibiotic resistance in foodborne bacteria of animal origin, which makes treatment in humans very difficult [11].

For the marketing of agri-food products, the trader seeks to highlight those characteristics of the food that allow it to differentiate itself from the rest of the market, and by which the consumer identifies it and prefers it. These characteristics may relate to social, economic, cultural, and/or religious factors [5].

Safe food production and trade are fundamental to the world economy. The Codex Alimentarius Commission aims to protect consumers worldwide and promote fair trade by developing standardized practices and guidelines for its member countries. Founded in 1963, the Codex involves 188 countries representing over 98% of the world’s population [12]. It provides science-based food standards that governments and industry can use as a framework for national regulations, trade, and dispute resolution [13].

Quality labels are used to categorize products with specific market characteristics, protecting producers and consumers [14].

Some consumers prefer national food products to imported ones, and local or regional products to national ones, regardless of the country or product. Origin becomes less important when trade-offs must be made, particularly when other quality signals are present on the product, such as organic, ecological, or quality assurance labels [15]. One of the objectives of quality labels, such as Geographical Indications and other territorial protections, is to maximize economic profitability and create initiatives that enhance local and rural development [16].

4. The Importance of Quality Labels

With the presence of more demanding consumers, the food sector is increasingly competitive and globalized, which has forced food companies to improve their products [17]. The promotion of new foods encourages people to try them, which in turn allows for an increase in purchases [18]. However, resistance to trying new, unknown flavors, known as neophobia (fear of the new), can lead to failure [17]. On the other hand, due to the growth in food production, there is an increase in by-products that have valuable components and require their exploitation [19].

Origin-labeled agricultural products have added value, which contributes to the growth of trade between countries. Geographical origin reflects quality, creativity, and economic benefits [20]. For economic growth in various regions, producers use both origin labels and technological advances [21]. Consumers, in general, pay a higher price for domestic (vs. imported) products, products imported from developed countries, and animal (vs. plant) origin labeling [22].

PDOs incentivize improvements in the lives and economies of those protected by this system, both locally and regionally. These products enable marketing with added value that others cannot offer due to their unique characteristics, which differentiate them and make them exclusive.

In agri-food supply chains, producers supplying origin-labeled products are between 19.9% and 42% more likely to do business with a retailer than producers with non-certified products. Medium-sized producers are between 11.7% and 26.3% more likely to do business with a retailer than micro or small producers [23].

5. Types of Quality Labels

The origin of food is one of the factors that consumers take into account when purchasing it [24]. In developed economies, however, this origin can cause problems, as information on the origin of food can sometimes lead to confusion and influence consumption decisions based on misconceptions. This is largely due to consumers’ lack of knowledge, which makes it challenging to promote more sustainable and conscious consumption practices [25]. The problem worsens when people think that quality labels such as Geographical Indications are the magic solution to existing problems [26]. For this reason, the sustainable consumption of food products produced in a specific region, or that present differences due to their origin, has been one of the solutions for several decades [27].

5.1. Protected Geographical Indications

The Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) represents a collective intellectual property right that identifies a product from a given area, whose quality and characteristics are attributed to its place of origin [28], which is referred to through a designation or label [29]. In PGI, it is indispensable that one of the qualities of the elaboration process takes place in the region from which the name will be taken (unlike PDOs, where the whole process must take place in the area from which the name will be taken) [30]. Globally, PGI guarantees the traceability, authenticity, and differentiation of products, supporting traditional modes of production in international competition [31]. The legal and regulatory systems of PGIs allow distinguishing the traditional experience from their standardized counterparts, partially addressing a problem of information asymmetry where one of the parties (usually the seller or producer) has more or better information about the product than the buyer and preserve the products from fraud and unfair competition [32].

Protected Geographical Indications of agricultural products have been used as a mechanism for developing countries to progress [33], and they have even become a tradition in some European countries [34]. Recently, there has been an increase in agricultural exports and a shift towards crops with PGIs [35]. In this context, it is also important to note that PGIs can present anomalies, such as using lower-quality or out-of-region raw materials, resulting in products that are ultimately marketed with the PGI [34].

5.2. Protected Designation of Origin

A Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) is granted to food products, handicrafts, or raw materials (fruits and vegetables) that belong to a specific area that gives its name and whose production is given in its entirety in this area. This is due to the peculiar conditions of the area, including humidity, soil type, temperature, and other factors, as well as the human factor. From a legal point of view, PDOs are considered products that must comply with a series of regulations and quality requirements for commercialization. Certain European countries have designed this type of protection to obtain legal and economic benefits in the production and marketing of selected foods [36].

Both Geographical Indications and PDOs inform consumers about the regional origin of foods [37]. Studies have shown that information on origin substantially influences consumers’ food selection [15]. A PDO arises from productive processes rooted in the territory and the lives of farmers and artisans. These processes provide development opportunities in specific productive areas [38]. Foods with an origin-related seal of quality have greater visibility due to their territorial and sociocultural links. In Europe, for instance, wine appellations of origin stand out, such as León wine, named after the Spanish province of the same name. In this region, several types of cheese, such as Valdeón and Burgos, benefit from this legal protection to promote consumption [36].

In this context, several authors have emphasized the role of designations of origin as tools to articulate territorial identities, promote gastronomic tourism, and support sustainable local development models particularly in regions such as Mexico and León (Spain), where these labels are closely tied to cultural heritage and consumer perceptions of food quality [39,40]. From a legal standpoint, these schemes are embedded in increasingly robust regulatory frameworks that define the territorial link, traceability, and authenticity requirements necessary for their formal recognition [41].

According to Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011, the name of the area where the product is produced is mandatory since not doing so promotes a distortion of information to consumers [15]. According to Regulation (EU) No. 2024/1143, farmers and producers applying for the registration of designation of origin must submit a Product Specifications listing its characteristics in terms of its legal definition, labeling, registration, and control of the conformity of the products, while in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/27, it establishes the symbols for this type of designations [42]. Examples of appellations of origin from around the world are shown in

Table 1. Some examples of Protected Designations of Origin at world level.

Country	Product	Year of Registration	Requirements	Challenges	Responsible Agency
Portugal	Oporto wine [43]	1756	Production in Douro Valley Aging in Oporto	Climatic problems	Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e do Porto
France	Roquefort Cheese [44]	1925	Raw sheep’s milk, strict geographic area	Restrictions on innovation	Institut National des Appellations d’Origine
France	Champagne [45]	1936	Produced exclusively in the Champagne region	Weak international protection against name misuse	Comité Champagne (CIVC)
Spain	Cured Iberian ham [46]	1992	Pure or crossbred Iberian breed. Acorn fed. Cured minimum	Forgeries	Ministerio de Agricultura
Italy	Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese [47]	1996	Milk from Friesian, Bruna, White Modena and Red Reggiana cows. Minimum maturation of 12 months	Restrictions on innovation	Consorzio Parmigiano
Colombia	Colombia Coffee [48]	2005	Coffee growing region, specific varieties	Poor control outside the country	Federación Nacional de Cafeteros
Perú	Villa Rica Coffee [49]	2010	Cultivated in Villa Rica District (Oxapampa). Traditional post-harvest processes	Lack of knowledge inside and outside the country	Instituto Nacional de Defensa de la Competencia y de la Protección de la Propiedad Intelectual
Costa Rica	Turrialba Cheese [50]	2012	Made in Santa Cruz Turrialba. Local milk from pure Jersey, Guernsey and brown Swiss breeds	Producers excluded by requirements	Asociación de Productores Agropecuarios de las Comunidades de Acosta y Aserrí.

, along with the requirements for each one.

5.3. Traditional Specialities Guaranteed

According to Regulation (EU) No. 2024/1143, products made with traditional raw materials or using traditional production methods are considered ‘Traditional Specialities Guaranteed’ (TSG). This quality label originated in the European Union and has since spread worldwide. Its main purpose is to protect producers of this type of food, inform consumers that traditional methods add value to their purchases, and promote fair competition. Unlike PDOs and PGIs, TSGs are not linked to the territory in which they are produced, meaning there is no exclusivity. Therefore, if the ‘traditional’ ingredients are found in another country and the product is produced there, it can carry the TSG label [51].

In the EU, the figure of the TSG has been used in Belgium, Bulgaria, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden, and outside the EU in the United Kingdom. In Latin America, the countries that use the TSG are Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru [52].

5.4. Ecological Labeling

Eco-labeling applies to products that meet environmental, social, and sustainable criteria to inform consumers that the product comes from responsible production practices. There are currently three types of eco-label: Type I labels are awarded by independent entities based on multiple pre-established environmental criteria. Type II includes self-declarations made by the manufacturer without an external audit. Finally, Type III comprises quantified environmental declarations based on a study of the product from inception to commercialization, certified by an external auditor according to ISO 14020 [53].

Eco-labels establish strict requirements, such as environmental impact assessments covering the entire production process from start to finish, and compliance with specific standards: adherence to standards established by certification bodies. It is also very important that the information on the label is clear and understandable to consumers [54]. Globally, the EU Ecolabel, the official EU label that protects and certifies products with low environmental impact, is already registered. Another notable label is Nordic Swan, a Nordic label with strict protocols, which includes personal care products, appliances, and others [55].

5.5. Fair Trade

This certification assures consumers that the product they are purchasing was produced under fair, sustainable, and transparent conditions. To receive this certification, companies must demonstrate that their products are made under decent conditions without child labor, that they respect the environment, and that they pay fair prices to producers. The best-selling fair-trade products worldwide are flowers, bananas, coffee, cocoa, sugarcane, cotton, and tea [56].

5.6. Voluntary Private Certifications

These certifications are used by companies and private entities to ensure that their suppliers adhere to food quality and safety standards. The requirements depend on the entity in question, as they establish them based on sustainability, good agricultural practices and traceability criteria. The main voluntary private certifications recognized worldwide include Global Good Agricultural Practices., British Retail Consortium and International Featured Standards, as well as the ISO 14001 environmental management standard and ISO 9001 quality management standard [57]. To obtain these certifications, companies must comply with the specific requirements established by the relevant certifying bodies. These requirements are typically assessed through audits, management systems, and continuous improvement [58]. A summary of representative products and the requirements and challenges associated with each certification type is provided in

Table 2. Main examples of products with quality labels worldwide.

Certification	Product	Country	Requirements	Challenges	Responsible Agency
Fair Trade [56]	Coffee	Colombia	Fair price Decent working conditions No child labor Ethical business relationships Producer empowerment	High certification costs Low local demand Difficulties in meeting international standards	Fairtrade International
	Bananas	Ecuador
Ecological labeling [55]	Organic yoghurt	Spain	Sustainable practices Limited use of pesticides No use of genetically modified organisms	Limited knowledge about this type of labeling High implementation costs for small producers	European Union Ecolabel
	Organic olive oil	Italy
Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSG) [52]	Serrano ham TSG	Spain	Made it with recognized traditional methods	Confusion with PDO/GI, limited dissemination Limited marketing outside the region	European Commission
	Panellets (Catalan sweets) TSG	Spain
Geographical Indications (PGI/PDO) [36]	PDO Manchego cheese	Spain	Direct relationship between quality and geographical origin	Forgery or misuse of the name Lack of effective protection in some markets	European Commission
Voluntary Private Certifications [58]	Certified Global G.A.P. Tomato	Mexico	Forgery or misuse of the name	Administrative complexity, high costs	Global G.A.P.
	Table grapes	Chile	Lack of effective protection in some markets	Limited access to certification for small producers	Private Certifications

.

6. Legal Regulations

With the enforcement of Regulation (EU) 2018/775 in Europe, which makes it mandatory to label the origin of primary ingredients [59], a process has begun that ensures the quality and safety of food production. Without these labels, products cannot be marketed. Certain producers are interested in revealing the geographical origin of their products, and consumers are interested in quality products with transparent information. This allows for adequate domestic trade by offering products of national origin [60]. A study was conducted to measure the impact of these certifications on consumer awareness of PDO, PGI, TSG, and organic certifications. The study found a direct relationship between educational level, value placed on certifications, and support for local economies [61].

In 2022, Regulations (EU) 2018/848 and 2020/4641 brought about substantial changes to the PDO process. These changes were due to controls on all aspects of organic farming and its implications. For example, good agricultural and environmental practices were integrated to produce healthy and safe food [62]. Most importantly, the regulations guaranteed compliance within the European Union and established measures for non-compliance [63]. However, confusion may arise among consumers who assume that the PDO product also promotes environmental practices and product quality improvements [64]. In general, PDO legislation establishes the obligation to comply with hygiene requirements based on Good Manufacturing Practices and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points [65].

7. Impact of Differentiated Quality Labels on the Agri-Food Chain

From the producers’ perspective, these labels represent an instrument that allows them to add value to their products, differentiating them in highly competitive markets. By linking products to their territory (traditional production methods or sustainable practices), producers can access markets that were previously impossible to enter due to the lack of protection and support they had, and with this, obtain better and higher income for their sales, also generating improved associativity and cooperativism among them. This trend of working from a territorial perspective has brought about the sustainable development of the territories, protecting cultural identity, strengthening local economies, returning the population to their territories, reducing rural migration, and improving the quality of life in these areas [66].

On the other hand, consumers have benefited from having access to reliable information about the origin and production methods of the products they purchase [67]. This has enabled them to make more informed purchasing decisions based not only on economic factors, but also on quality, sustainability, and origin [68].

8. Methodologies for Certification

Producers who intend to obtain a PDO for their products must comply with general requirements. Among the main requirements is that the product must be unique, and its processing and geographical location must impart characteristics that cannot be replicated if it is manufactured elsewhere. The product’s characteristics, such as taste, smell, and cultivation method, must be included in the specifications (dossier) submitted to the regulatory agency.

It is essential to delimit the geographical area, as this will serve as the basis for naming the product. Producers should collect historical information to corroborate that the product has been produced in the same way since it was first marketed. The technical information of the product must include the raw materials used to manufacture it, as well as its agronomic, physical, chemical, microbiological, and organoleptic properties, emphasize the product’s cultural and environmental properties, as well as its traceability management, which ensures compliance with specifications and highlights the connection between the product, producer, and origin.

In Ecuador, the procedure for obtaining a PDO begins with submitting an application for a preliminary evaluation of the file to the Follow-up Commission of the Interinstitutional System for the Promotion and Protection of Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications. Each product requiring a PDO must comply with the specifications’ requirements. These specifications must be developed by producers, farmers, and a technical commission that includes delegates from the regulatory entity. Unlike in the EU, where the requirements established in the specifications are mandatory, in Latin America, the requirements are less demanding. In Ecuador’s specific case, there is a need for political will, administrative flexibility, and research [69,70].

9. Relevant Case Studies

This section aims to provide an international comparison of products bearing European versus Latin American quality labels, focusing on those that stand out due to their significant export volume and global recognition. Examples were taken from the most important designations of origin for the European Union and Latin America.

9.1. Tequila

The inclusion of areas that produce beverages such as tequila has opened the door to international markets and introduced rural agroindustry to the world. From a microeconomic point of view, the involvement of these local companies has increased their competitiveness and exposed them to more rigorous demands [70]. The increase in tequila production and commercialization in recent years has been supported by improvements in its production chain, where the business and its place of origin converge, as well as the requirements that producers belonging to the PDO must comply with. This has led to the production of premium beverages, changing the perception of tequila as a cheap beverage for low-income consumers [71,72].

Table 3. Export performance before and after PDOs.

Product	Year of Registration	Exports Before	Exports After
Arriba’s Cocoa [73]	2005	205,000 tons	It has established itself as a high-quality product in the gourmet chocolate industry in international markets
Tequila [72]	1974	23 million liters	399 million liters (2023)
La Rioja wine [74]	1925	96.38 million euros (1985)	2.1% of total world packaged wine trade value; 500 million euros (2022)
Roquefort cheese [75]	1925	9000 tons	14,500 tons

shows the increase in tequila exports before and after obtaining the PDO.

9.2. La Rioja Wine

PDOs define the conditions under which wines are to be produced, considering both the area of production and the way they are produced. In this context, the PDO is a label used for producers who do not have access to improve their processes, to access distribution channels, and therefore to export their product. This PDO from Spain is one of the most prestigious wines in the world. Many of the wineries producing this wine have transitioned from artisanal processes to total industrialization of their production, although this has not altered the characteristics of the wine it has influenced its commercialization.

As shown in Table 3, there has been remarkable growth before and since the PDO was consolidated. The key lies in the quality assurance guarantees provided to consumers throughout the production chain, which have given Rioja a significant place in the global market. The consolidation of the PDO of La Rioja has been key to this success. Additionally, the promotional strategy and product diversification, including organic and premium wines, have enabled Rioja wineries to adapt to market trends and expand their global presence [74].

9.3. Arriba’s Cocoa

For centuries, cocoa has been Ecuador’s emblematic product, also known as the “golden seed” due to its exceptional quality and the economic benefits it has generated for producers. It was the second product in Ecuador to obtain a PDO, highlighting its unique characteristics. Ecuadorian cocoa had already established itself in the global market before obtaining the PDO in 2008. Although exports decreased between 2019 and 2020 due to external factors such as the pandemic, the trend has since been maintained or increased [73], as shown in Table 3.

9.4. Roquefort Cheese

The Roquefort cheese PDO was the first of its kind for an agricultural product, marking the beginning of the acceptance of these quality labels as protectors of food products, their production methods, and origins. This certification guarantees that the cheese is produced solely in Roquefort. It is also made with unpasteurized milk from Lacaune sheep, and the ripening process takes place only in caves in the area. These caves are home to the Penicillium roqueforti fungus, which gives the cheese its unique characteristics and preserves the tradition [75].

9.5. European and Latin American PDOs

The valorization of agri-food products through differentiated quality labels such as Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs) has emerged as a strategic approach for enhancing rural development, fostering market differentiation, and preserving the cultural and ecological integrity of traditional food systems. These designations function not only as markers of authenticity but also as mechanisms to link producers to place, promote sustainability, and support socioeconomic resilience in agricultural communities [73]. Particularly in the context of globalized markets and homogenized food supply chains, PDOs offer a credible structure for recognizing and rewarding distinctive regional characteristics and artisanal knowledge [31].

Despite their growing relevance, a marked disparity exists between the implementation of PDO systems in Europe and Latin America. In the European Union, more than 750 agri-food products hold PDO status under robust legal frameworks and benefit from comprehensive promotion policies [76]. In contrast, Latin America hosts fewer than 40 officially recognized food-related PDOs, many of which lack adequate institutional support, consumer awareness, or sustained market access [14]. The discrepancy reflects differences in regulatory maturity, institutional capacity, and integration of producers into decision-making processes.

The ideal configuration of PDO systems involves inclusive governance, participatory development of product specifications, and alignment with sustainable development goals. Well-implemented PDOs can generate positive economic externalities, enhance the visibility of marginalized rural areas, and improve income distribution across the agri-food chain [35]. They also contribute to biodiversity conservation and strengthen the territorial identity associated with traditional food systems. Thus, these instruments hold the potential to address multiple policy objectives simultaneously.

However, the current limitations faced by many Latin American PDOs underscore critical structural and procedural challenges. Certification processes are often top-down, with minimal engagement of local producer communities, and they tend to exclude smallholders unable to meet technical or financial requirements [77]. As a result, several PDO initiatives stagnate or remain underutilized, contributing little to rural transformation. Moreover, the absence of strong traceability mechanisms and promotion campaigns weakens consumer recognition and limits the competitive advantage of PDO-certified products in both domestic and international markets [33].

This situation not only curtails economic benefits for producers but also threatens the continuity of traditional food practices. Without meaningful integration into quality schemes, many artisanal products risks disappearing due to market pressures, intergenerational discontinuity, and lack of institutional support. The marginalization of producers from these systems can exacerbate rural poverty and perpetuate structural inequalities in agri-food economies [37]. Furthermore, underperforming certification schemes may erode consumer trust in food quality labels, undermining the entire purpose of differentiation.

To address these challenges, policy frameworks must prioritize inclusive certification models, capacity building for producer organizations, and adaptive regulatory mechanisms. Strengthening the role of universities, public agencies, and non-governmental actors in certification processes can facilitate technology transfer, improve specification design, and promote long-term viability. Integrating digital technologies such as blockchain and AI-enabled traceability systems could enhance verification, deter fraud, and improve supply chain transparency [78]. These innovations would not only benefit consumers but also empower producers through access to better data and market opportunities.

Additionally, international cooperation between European and Latin American institutions presents a valuable avenue for addressing asymmetries in PDO development. Technical assistance programs, knowledge exchange platforms, and South–South collaboration initiatives can support regulatory harmonization and contextual adaptation of best practices. Such efforts are vital for fostering mutual recognition of standards and enhancing the competitiveness of traditional products in global markets. These disparities are clearly illustrated in

Table 4. Indicators of Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs) in Europe and Latin America.

Indicator	Europe (EU-27)	Latin America (Regional Average)	Sources
Total number of food PDOs (excluding wines and spirits)	Approx. 750 PDOs registered	Approx. 30–40 officially recognized PDOs	[79,80]
Total combining PDO, PGI, and TSG	Over 1600 agri-food products registered	Approx. 100–120 Geographical Indications	[79,80]
Leading country by number of PDOs	Italy (~320), France (~270), and Spain (~200)	Mexico (18 PDOs), followed by Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador	[79,81]
% of agri-food GDP represented by PDO/PGI products	Between 7% and 12% in leading countries	Rarely exceeds 1%	[14,27]
Export volume of PDO-labeled products	Over EUR 75 billion/year (2021–2023)	Mexico (Tequila): >USD 3.5 billion/year; others: minor impact	[32,82]
Direct employment linked to PDO/PGI products	Over 330,000 jobs in the EU	Estimated <10,000 jobs across Latin America	[76,82]
Public promotion budget for PDO/PGI	Specific EU funds: > EUR 200 million/year	Limited and variable; <USD 5 million/year in most countries	[79,83]
Average time to obtain PDO status	2–3 years (in consolidated systems)	5–7 years (due to technical and institutional limitations)	[69,84]

, which compares key indicators related to PDO implementation and impact between the European Union and Latin America. The data highlight the gap in institutional capacity, market penetration, and promotional investment, underscoring the need for targeted strategies to strengthen certification systems across Latin America. Ultimately, building a shared framework for quality certification grounded in sustainability, fairness, and local empowerment can reinforce the resilience and diversity of food systems worldwide.

10. Implications of Valorization Processes for New Agri-Food Products

The valorization of agri-food products through quality schemes such as Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs), Protected Geographical Indications (PGIs), and Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSGs) represents a strategic opportunity to promote innovation, rural development, and sustainable food systems. These certifications link product attributes to their geographical origin, reinforcing the specificity and identity of agri-food commodities in a highly competitive global market. According to the European Commission, in 2022, PDO/PGI-labeled agri-food and drink products generated approximately EUR 77 billion in sales, representing 15.5% of the total EU agri-food exports [85]. This underscores their substantial contribution not only to rural economies but also to international trade.

From a socioeconomic perspective, producers of certified origin-labeled products report significantly higher market prices and improved access to niche markets. A meta-regression-analysis conducted by [22] found that consumers are willing to pay on average 20–30% more for PDO/PGI-labeled products compared to their non-certified equivalents, particularly in categories such as cheeses, cured meats, and wines. In addition, Geographical Indications can generate positive employment effects: the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) estimates that PDO/PGI schemes sustain over 330,000 direct jobs across the EU agri-food sector [76].

In developing countries, however, the impact of these valorization mechanisms remains uneven. While countries like Mexico have successfully leveraged certifications such as the PDO Tequila, which alone reached an export volume of 399 million liters and over USD 3.5 billion in revenues in 2023 [81], many other origin-labeled products from Latin America face structural barriers. These include limited technical capacity, weak regulatory frameworks, and high certification costs. For instance, the cost of preparing a PDO dossier can range between USD 15,000 and USD 50,000, depending on the complexity of the value chain and legal processes [82], which often excludes smallholder producers from participation.

Innovation and sustainability are critical dimensions in the valorization of new agri-food products. The adoption of origin-linked labels has been shown to incentivize the use of traditional varieties and breeds, contributing to agrobiodiversity conservation. For example, the PDO for Parmigiano Reggiano in Italy has preserved the use of specific cattle breeds and traditional maturation methods that have remained unchanged for centuries [47]. At the same time, these certifications increasingly require producers to integrate environmental and ethical criteria, responding to evolving consumer expectations regarding traceability, animal welfare, and ecological footprint.

Nevertheless, valorization through certification is not without challenges. The rigidity of some specification protocols can limit product innovation and restrict access for producers operating outside the exact delimitation area or using slightly different methods. Moreover, in several Latin American contexts, certifications have contributed to intra-regional inequality, where a small group of producers monopolize the benefits while others are excluded from governance structures [77]. These asymmetries underscore the need for inclusive certification models and support mechanisms tailored to diverse socioeconomic realities.

Looking forward, the valorization of new agri-food products must be framed within broader sustainable development goals. Enhancing institutional coordination, investing in capacity building, and promoting participatory governance models are essential steps to ensure that the benefits of these certifications are equitably distributed. Additionally, technological advancements such as digital traceability systems and environmental impact assessment tools offer new avenues to align certification schemes with contemporary sustainability and transparency standards [78]. In this regard, PDOs and similar schemes have the potential to serve not only as market tools, but also as instruments for inclusive rural transformation and sustainable food system transitions.

11. Challenges and Conflicts

Despite the transformative potential of differentiated quality labels (PDO, PGI, and TSG), their implementation and practical application face multiple structural, regulatory, economic, and social challenges that limit their scope, effectiveness, and legitimacy. The implementation of differentiated quality labels, such as PDO, PGI, TSG, or others, is not always easy for those who decide to access them, as they directly or indirectly affect one or more members of the production chain positively or negatively [86].

One of the main barriers is financial, since adopting any of these types of certifications is highly costly for producers. Small and medium-sized companies would need to make a significant economic effort that they do not have to make to compete with the main industries that manage the market, as is the case with the tequila industry. This means that small industries are compelled to be part of the tequila production chain, but only participate in processes such as bottling and labeling, rather than producing and marketing tequila [17].

In addition, the diversity in regulations and the requirements of these in each country, further open the gap between producers and consumers, making it difficult to position in other countries, since, taking the example of organic labeling, in a Latin American country can obtain the label, but this does not guarantee that it can be marketed in the EU where the requirements for granting this labeling are more stringent. Added to this are the constant changes in regulations for exports and imports, influenced by the interests of large agri-food companies. The lack of control over certifications means that products on the market have labeling that does not fully meet the requirements, resulting in the undermining of consumer confidence and a loss of credibility for these quality labels [87].

Another persistent problem is the presence of imitations of PDO products, such as tequila. On the global market, there are many tequilas produced without any controls, giving consumers a product that does not meet the characteristics of those that are PDO-certified, damaging the reputation of the PDO and reducing sales [82].

New trends toward the consumption of nutritional products labeled Nutri-Score could have economic consequences for certain products with EU quality certification, such as Geographical Indications, because NS considers that for every 100 g, the nutrient content should be increased while fats and sugars should be reduced. Although placing these labels on foods is beneficial for consumers, those products of animal origin, which account for 70% of GI products, would suffer considerable damage to their sales, as consumers would not buy products with a negative nutritional rating [88].

It has also been observed that the number of labels and certifications on the market causes confusion among consumers, who often do not understand the differences between official, voluntary, and private certifications. This brings us back to the issue of poor marketing, or the lack of importance that local governments give to it, as there are no effective programs to promote consumption and visibility of these labels [89].

In summary, although differentiated quality labels are a tactic for the development of producers and their territory, cultural protection, and the differentiation of agri-food products, their success requires addressing regulatory, economic, and environmental challenges. Otherwise, they run the risk of becoming symbolic “dormant” instruments that are registered but inactive, exclusionary, and inefficient.

12. Conclusions and Prospects

Differentiated quality labels such as PDO, PGI, TSG, organic certification, and fair trade represent more than just market instruments: they are governance tools that articulate values of identity, sustainability, and social responsibility within the agri-food system. These labels respond to a growing global demand for transparency, traceability, and ethical consumption, helping both producers and consumers navigate complex food environments.

Evidence shows that products with differentiated quality labels tend to command price premiums, generate positive rural development externalities, and reinforce territorial cohesion. However, their effectiveness is contingent upon robust institutional frameworks, equitable access to certification, and sustained consumer education. Without these elements, labels risk becoming exclusive, symbolic, or even misleading.

Importantly, differentiated quality schemes can catalyze transitions toward more sustainable and inclusive food systems but only when they are designed and implemented with participatory principles, cultural relevance, and ecological integrity. This requires cross-sector collaboration, dynamic regulatory innovation, and investment in local capacity.

As seen in the European context, these schemes have proven effective when supported by strong institutional frameworks and integrated into broader territorial development strategies. In contrast, Latin American countries, including Ecuador, face challenges related to economic constraints, low consumer awareness, and limited institutional support—factors that hinder the local impact of such labels, despite increasing global interest.

This documentary review confirms that when quality labels are implemented with cultural sensitivity, producer participation, and ecological integrity, they contribute not only to rural development but also to the consolidation of territorial identity and economic resilience. Yet, without equitable access and continuous education, these labels risk being perceived as elitist or symbolic rather than transformative.

In sum, the future of quality labeling lies in its ability to combine scientific rigor with cultural sensibility, economic viability with social justice, and local distinctiveness with global relevance. When these elements converge, differentiated labels cease to be static certifications and become strategic drivers of transformation.