To obtain real protection for the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie, so that consumers know they are getting the authentic product, we have applied to the European Commission to recognise the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie as a "Protected Geographical Indication".

What does "Protected Geographical Indication" (PGI) mean?

Since 1993, the European Union (EU) has provided a framework that gives legal protection for named regional food products against imitation across the EU. This framework is important because it aims to protect and promote regional food products, the consumer interest and rural economies that become vulnerable as the EU expands and regional markets move to national and international supply chains.

The stated objectives are:

• To encourage diverse agricultural production
• To protect product names from misuse and imitation
• To help consumers by giving them information concerning the specific character of the products

Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) is one of three European designations to protect regional foods and it protects regional products that have "specific quality, reputation or other characteristics attributable to that area". It acts just like a Trade Mark of 'Appellation Controllee' and stops manufacturers from outside a region from copying a regional product and selling it as that regional product. PGI is available for products that originated in that region and which are either produced or processed or prepared in a geographical area. The specific quality, reputation or other characteristics of the product are due to that area.

The Association feels that PGI is the appropriate protection level for the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie.

In gaining PGI status for the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie, the Association aims to:

• Protect the integrity of the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie and resist its denigration at the hands of manufacturers outside the Melton area, thereby ensuring its survival
• Protect the consumer from being misled about the provenance and quality of Melton Mowbray Pork Pies
• Promote the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie so that as many people as possible are able to try this famous regional food
• Encourage growth and investment in the rural economy through promotion to the consumer of the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie as the guaranteed and genuine article
• Protect the good name of the town of Melton Mowbray and therefore protect its important tourist economy
• Reinforce the credentials of Melton Mowbray as the heart of an important rural economy
• Protect the jobs and investment dependant on the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie
• Promote our rural region and fine food heritage through the ongoing support of the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie
• Support the wider initiative to recognise the importance of regional foods