'DOP, IGP, STG quality-mark food producers up 2.8% in South'

(ANSA) - ROME, SEP 5 - A reported 319 Italian high-quality food products were recognized by the European Union at the end of 2022, four more than in 2021 thanks to the work done by 81,400 certified producers who have increased by 0.4%, in particular in the South (+2,8%) and on the islands (+3,1%), according to figures provided by Italian national statistics bureau ISTAT on Thursday. ISTAT's report said Italy ranked at the top of European countries for the number of quality marks issued for its products by the EU including DOP (protected designation of origin), IGP (protected geographical indication) and STG (guaranteed traditional specialties).
    In 2022, 41.5% of producers recognized with quality marks were in the South, followed by the islands (27.1%), Trentino-Alto Adige (13.9%) and Tuscany (13.8%).
    A reported 80% of products were cheeses , followed by extra virgin olive oil, fruit and vegetables and cereal, said ISTAT.
    (ANSA).