Between AOP, IGP and Label Rouge, it is not always easy to find your way around. Moreover, and according to a recent study by UFC-Que Choisir, if the majority of French people know one or more of these signs of quality, few people questioned really understand their meaning.⁽¹⁾. However, these signs for identifying the quality and origin (SIQO) of fruits and vegetables can help us choose them. In this article, we explain the meaning of the different labels and quality signs to help you see more clearly and make your choices with full knowledge of the facts.

The AOC is a sign of authenticity, the guarantee of respect for the typicality of a terroir. The AOC quality sign on fruit and vegetables indicates that all the stages of production have been carried out in the same geographical area and according to recognized know-how. This quality sign therefore takes into consideration, on the one hand, the geographical aspect (climate, history, agronomy). On the other hand, the controlled label of origin highlights know-how and specific production conditions. In practice, AOC fruits and vegetables must comply with precise specifications approved by decree. For example, among the most famous AOCs we find green lentils from Puy, apple from Limousin or even walnuts.

The Protected Designation of Origin is the equivalent of the AOC transposed at European level. To benefit from the PDO, a fruit or a vegetable must have been the subject of a prior registration, by the European Commission, in the register of AOC and PGI. 

The Protected Geographical Indication is a quality sign governed by regulation. It indicates that the product benefits from the notoriety of the territory. However, not all production phases have to take place in the eponymous geographical area. With the IGP, the link to the territory is therefore weaker than with the two appellations mentioned above. Pink garlic from Lautrec, clementine from Corsica or even strawberries from Périgord often carry an IGP.

According to the Kantar Worldpanel study, the Label Rouge remains the most popular in France. Indeed, 96% of the people questioned declared knowing this label. However, in practice, only 77% of respondents say they really understand the meaning⁽²⁾. In practice, the Red Label recognizes a set of characteristics that confer on the product a higher level of quality compared to the current product. This set of characteristics is precisely framed by specifications that must be respected by the producer. Many fruits and vegetables carry the Red Label: pineapple, strawberries, lentils, lamb’s lettuce, lychees, apples, etc.

If the Organic Agriculture label is known by the majority of French people (95%), it is an incentive to purchase for only 62% of them⁽³⁾. For good reason, this particular label is not understood by all. In practice, the AB label guarantees a production method that respects the environment. It also highlights the non-use of synthetic chemicals or GMOs. The producers then use gentle methods such as crop rotation, plowing or even mulching. To benefit from the AB label, fruit and vegetable producers must meet very demanding specifications including a set of rules defined at European level.

[1] UFC-Que Choisir, You and food labels, study carried out in August 2016

[2] Kantar Worldpanel study, LinkQ Labels / Mentions study, based on a sample of 12000 respondents representative of the French population, September 2017

[3] Kantar Worldpanel study, LinkQ Labels / Mentions study, based on a sample of 12000 respondents representative of the French population, September 2017