Discover how the IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) and Label Rouge quality seals contribute to the preservation of beekeeping in Provence while guaranteeing consumers an exceptional honey.
Discover how the IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) and Label Rouge quality seals contribute to the preservation of beekeeping in Provence while guaranteeing consumers an exceptional honey.
In a world where transparency and product quality take precedence over everything else, the Signs of Quality and Origin Identification (SIQO) stand as essential guarantors for beekeepers in Provence. Thanks to the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), producers can now certify the origin and uniqueness of their honeys, thus offering a real guarantee of trust to consumers who wish to make an informed choice.
Provence honeys are characterized by their great diversity. Whether it's the classic lavender honey or rarer varieties such as savory or strawberry tree honey, each jar contains a unique palette of flavors. This diversity is the result of foraging on plants specific to the region, making each tasting a true gustatory journey through the bewitching scents of Provence.
To be certified, a honey from Provence must meet several strict criteria. Producers are regularly subjected to inspections to guarantee the physicochemical and organoleptic quality of their honeys. Thus, the Red Label, associated with the PGI in Provence, ensures not only the superior quality of the products but also their geographical origin.
Choosing a Provence honey with PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) or Red Label is an act that goes beyond mere taste pleasure. It's a responsible action that supports local beekeepers and promotes authentic expertise. By paying a fair price, consumers contribute to the sustainability of an industry facing advanced economic and environmental challenges.
In 2024, the Provencal beekeeping sector produced:
- 443,424 kg of PGI honey,
- 138,159 kg of Red Label Lavender honey,
- 25,560 kg of Red Label All Flowers honey.
These figures reflect the dynamism of beekeeping in Provence, highlighting the crucial importance of these quality indicators in enhancing local production.
With over 300 beekeepers committed to this quality approach, the Provencal apiculture sector is the first in France to benefit from such designations. By structuring agricultural sectors around quality and origin, the PGI/Red Label model serves as a benchmark, ensuring food safety and supporting the economic footprint of the region.
The importance of SIQOs goes beyond mere certification. They also provide valuable legal protection against unfair competition. This allows consumers to make purchases with peace of mind, knowing that each jar of honey recognized is truly the result of local expertise, free from fraud and malpractices that could tarnish the image of Provence honey.
Beekeepers in Provence, true artisans of nature, play a fundamental role in pollination and the preservation of biodiversity. By supporting their work through the purchase of quality honey, consumers contribute not only to the protection of bees but also to the health of the ecosystem as a whole.
Provençal beekeeping is supported by organizations such as the Association for the Development of Provençal Beekeeping (ADAPI), the Syndicate of Honeys from Provence and the Southern Alps, and the Provence Honey Cooperative. These entities work to enhance the value of beekeepers' labor, disseminate their expertise, and ensure ethical marketing.
As we become aware of the impact of our food choices, opting for a Provence honey with PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) or Red Label becomes a significant way to support local beekeeping while enjoying a quality product. Choose transparency, authenticity, and taste with Provence honeys, and actively participate in promoting respectful and sustainable agriculture.
Author Audrey on 29 December 2021
Gastronomy and Food : Diet and Dietetics
Author Audrey on 24 March 2023
Gastronomy and Food : Food