Salumitalia: Consorzi di tutela among the most trusted bodies by consumers

The Protection Consortia are among the bodies considered most trustworthy by consumers, preceded only by the Usl and Nas: 92% of those interviewed place average (47%) or high (45%) trust in the Consortia. A fact that is confirmed in the reading of the distinctive characteristics of PDO and PGI cured meats, where the presence of a Consortium for the protection and enhancement of the denominations is at the top (74% for PDO, 71% for PGI) together with the link of the product with the territory (74% for PDO, 82% for PGI) and control by authorised bodies (75% for PDO, 77% for PGI).

These are some of the data emerging from the survey "The perception of consumption and market valorisation of PDO and PGI deli meats" conducted by the EngageMinds HUB, the research centre of the UniversitàCattolica del Sacro Cuore specialising in the study of food consumption behaviour, during the conference "Salumi DOP IGP e scelte di consumo" held in Milan on the occasion of the Annual Meeting of Salumitalia - Consorzi Indicazione Geografica (Consortia for Geographical Indication).
A sector that, on the whole,is worth about 2.25 billion Euro, or about 25% of the entire Italian charcuterie industry.

The correlation between the perceived quality and the identity characteristics of the Geographical Indications system was also interesting. For the sample of one thousand interviewees, in fact, a cured meat is considered of quality, in particular, if it is controlled by a certification body (84%) or if it is recognised as PDO or PGI (82%). Here too, the decisive role of the Protection Consortia emerges in the extent to which a cured meat product is perceived as being of quality if it is produced by a company belonging to a Protection Consortium (81%). "This is a significant recognition for the Geographical Indications system, based on strict controls, traceability and protection of territorial productions," the organisers underline.

The study highlighted how 70% of consumers consider PDO and PGI an important element in their purchasing decisions and how over 80% claim to be familiar with these certifications. The research also showed how the relationship with food is strongly influenced by emotional, cultural and identity components: for 7 out of 10 Italians, food represents not only nourishment, but also personal wellbeing, conviviality and social belonging

"The results of the research clearly show the importance of the role of the Consortia in our sector not only as a guarantee element of the GI system but also as one of the main factors guiding consumers' purchasing choices: a result," comments Cristiano Ludovici, president of Salumitalia, the Association that brings together 19 Consortia, the expression of 22 protected productions that if on the one hand fills us with pride, on the other urges us to continue with even greater commitment and sense of responsibility in the activities of protection and enhancement of our excellence. A strategic value not only in Italia, but also on foreign markets, where cured meats are increasingly appreciated as an expression of quality, tradition and authenticity".