The definition of PDO/PGI:

In the context of European PDO/PGI olive oil from Crete, PDO stands for Protected Designation of Origin, while PGI stands for Protected Geographical Indication. These are European Union (EU) labels that provide legal protection and recognition to agricultural products that have specific qualities or characteristics associated with a particular geographical area.

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO):

PDO certification is the highest level of recognition for agricultural products in the EU. To receive PDO status, every step of the olive oil production process, from cultivation to processing, must take place within a defined geographical area and follow specific production methods.

PDO ensures that the olive oil’s quality, characteristics, and reputation are closely tied to its geographical origin.

For the European PDO olive oil from Crete, it means that the olives used in the production are sourced exclusively from the island of Crete. The entire production process, including cultivation, harvesting, milling, and bottling, must also occur within the defined geographic boundaries of Crete. PDO certification ensures that the olive oil captures the unique flavors and qualities associated with the Cretan terroir.

Protected Geographical Indication (PGI):

PGI certification is a slightly less stringent label than PDO but still holds significance in protecting and promoting regional agricultural products. Olive oils with PGI status must be produced in the designated geographical area using traditional methods or have a specific reputation or quality attributed to that region.

For the European PGI olive oil from Crete, it means that the olive oil is linked to the geographical area of Crete, but certain aspects of the production process may not be as strictly regulated as with PDO. The olives used may be sourced from other neighboring areas, but the processing and bottling must still take place in Crete.

So to summarize the above:

EU system of PDO/PGI The EU schemes encourage diverse agricultural production, protect product names from misuse and imitation and help consumers by giving them information concerning the specific character of the products

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
PDO covers agricultural products and foodstuffs which are produced, processed and prepared in a given geographical area using recognized know-how.

Protected geographical indication (PGI)
PGI emphasizes on the relationship between the specific geographic region and the name of the product, where a particular quality, reputation or other characteristic is essentially attributable to its geographical origin.