“Here today, gone tomato.” Part 1

Creating a Legacy: The UK’s GI Scheme and the Isle of Wight’s love of tomatoes!

Tomatoes from the Isle of Wight have come to represent excellence in the region, sustainability, and quality. These tomatoes are shipped literally around the world, and we at the Trademarkroom are clamouring for official recognition as we believe these products ought to be a protected regional product because of their rich flavour and special growing environment on the Isle of Wight. So let’s go PDO!

So what is a GI scheme and how do you secure legal protections?

Leveraging the UK GI Scheme

The UK Geographical Indications (GI) scheme offers an opportunity to protect Isle of Wight Tomatoes under one of three designations: PDO, PGI, or TSG.

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)

• Definition: PDO is the most stringent designation. It applies to products that are produced, processed, and prepared entirely within a specific geographical area using recognised and traditional methods.
• Key Requirement: Every part of the production process must take place within the designated area.
• Example:
  • Cornish Clotted Cream (must be made entirely in Cornwall using Cornish milk).
  • Stilton Cheese (must be produced in specific counties using traditional methods).

Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)

• Definition: PGI is more flexible than PDO. It applies to products that are closely linked to a specific geographical area, but only one stage of production (e.g., production, processing, or preparation) needs to take place in the designated area.
• Key Requirement: The product must have a quality, reputation, or characteristic attributable to the geographical origin.
• Example: Melton Mowbray Pork Pies (can be made with pork sourced from outside the region but must be prepared in Melton Mowbray).Welsh Lamb (must come from sheep raised in Wales, but processing can occur elsewhere).

Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG)

• Definition: TSG focuses on the traditional character of a product, without requiring a link to a specific geographical area. It recognises products made using traditional methods or recipes.
• Key Requirement: The product must have characteristics or be made using methods that are traditional and specific to its type, but it doesn’t have to be tied to a particular location.
• Example:
  • Traditional Farm Fresh Turkey (a method of rearing and preparation, not tied to a location).
  • Traditional Bramley Apple Pie Filling (focuses on the traditional recipe, not a geographical link).

Summary of Differences

Got an idea for a PDO product, Please reach out at tmr@trademarkroom.com