AOC/ AOP

AOC and AOP: what are they?

AOP stands for "appellation d'origine protégée" (protected designation of origin), while AOC refers to an "appellation d'origine contrôlée" (controlled designation of origin).

• AOP was created in 1992 and assures consumers that all stages of production have been carried out according to recognised know-how in a specific geographical area, giving it its characteristics. This sign protects the name of the product throughout the European Union. So when you buy Rocamadour PDO, you can be sure you're buying quality, and not a counterfeit! There are 50 PDO dairy products (mainly cheeses) and 44 for fruit, vegetables, olive oil etc.
• AOC is the first step on the road to the European PDO. It also protects product names, but only in France. It can also cover foods not covered by the European framework, such as forestry products.