Protected Designation of Origin announced for Achill Island Sea Salt
THE application for Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) for Achill Island Sea Salt has been successful.
The European Commission Regulation advising of the registration of Achill Island Sea Salt as a PDO has been published today in the Official Journal of the European Union and will come into force on the 20th day following its publication.
Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) is a name which identifies a product: (a) originating in a specific place, region or, in exceptional cases, a country; (b) whose quality or characteristics are essentially or exclusively due to a particular geographical environment with its inherent natural and human factors; and (c) the production steps of which all take place in the defined geographical area.
Minister of State Dara Calleary congratulated Achill Island Sea Salt on its registration.
He commented: “This is a fantastic achievement for the O’Malley family and Achill Island Sea Salt, to be registered as a Protected Designation of Origin and to have that published is a very significant milestone.
“Achieving PDO status will mean that Achill Island Sea Salt may use the PDO logo on their products.
“I am delighted for the O’Malley family who have steadily grown their business since 2013 to now being a readily recognisable brand.
“This achievement is testament to their determination and commitment to producing a top quality, unique, local product. I wish them continued success for the future.”
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue, who announced the news, said this further strengthens Ireland’s reputation for quality food products.
He commented: “I would like to congratulate Achill Island Sea Salt on this substantial achievement. PDO status provides both recognition of the exceptional quality and unique characteristics of this hand harvested sea salt from the waters around Achill Island and reflects the dedication of our local producers.”
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, as the competent authority for geographical indications, guided the applicant through the application process. Following the national opposition procedure in 2020, the application was submitted to the European Commission for scrutiny following which the member state/third country opposition procedure was completed without opposition.