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The end of a 15-year wait!

Finally, after 15 years, Monari Federzoni receives the recognition it deserves! In Brussels on Wednesday 10 June 2009 the PDO and PGI Committee of the European Union awarded the prestigious denomination of the European Community to the Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. It's a historic award which recognizes the importance of a product that epitomizes the reputation enjoyed by Italian produce all over the world, and is one of the most emblematic products of the city of Modena.

The award is of particular value to producers like Monari Federzoni who have always placed a premium on the quality and authenticity of their products. The Monari Federzoni brand is known and appreciated in over 50 countries worldwide. The company, based in Solara, has been run by 4 generations of the same family for nearly 100 years. Now as then it remains faithful to its original philosophy: the love of one family for quality balsamic vinegar in the most authentic tradition of Modena.

The term Protected Geographical Indication, better known as PGI, is a quality certification awarded to food and agricultural products whose quality, reputation or other distinguishing characteristics depend on their geographical origin, and which are produced, processed and/or made in a certain geographical area. For a product to obtain PGI certification, at least one phase of its production process must take place within a designated area. PGI-certified producers must observe stringent rules in the making of their products, and respect for these rules is enforced by a specially-appointed supervisory body.

What it means for producers of balsamic vinegar of Modena:

1. PGI certification obliges all producers of balsamic vinegar to subject their product to stringent controls designed to offer consumers a guarantee of the quality and safety of the product. Modern consumers all over the world are increasingly mindful of their health and their diet, and the European Union's PGI certification is designed to ensure that consumers are buying a safe food product;


2. The EU quality certification system - of which the PGI designation awarded to balsamic vinegar of Modena is part - is also intended to safeguard and promote the produce of the Mediterranean tradition. Certification is therefore a major opportunity for all producers who place a premium on quality, for today's consumers attach much more importance to the origins of what they eat, and are increasingly selective and discerning about their diet;


3. PGI certification is a safeguard against the adulteration, imitation and brand counterfeiting which damages the reputation of the authentic product. Therefore it defends and helps develop the economy;


4. PGI certification establishes precise and clearly-defined rules for all producers of balsamic vinegar of Modena and is an opportunity for them to secure greater returns on their labour and investment. Above all, it encourages them to put local assets to the best possible use - in this case, the grapes of Modena, Emilia Romagna and Italy