Istrian honey becomes 50th Croatian product with protected designation

“Istrian Honey” / “Istrski Med” has received the European Protected Designation of Origin, announced the European Commission in the Official Journal of the European Union on 5th July 2024.

This designation ensures the product’s name is listed in the register of geographical indications for agricultural products and is protected across the entire European Union.

The EU’s Protected Designation of Origin symbol on the packaging guarantees consumers are purchasing an authentic product.

The protection process for the name “Istrian Honey” / “Istrski Med” began in August 2017, the Ministry of Agriculture said.

This joint protection effort was initiated by the Croatian Beekeepers Association Lipa and the Slovenian Coastal Beekeepers Society Koper, who submitted a joint request to their respective Ministries for the designation of origin protection for “Istrian Honey” / “Istrski Med”.

“Istrian Honey” / “Istrski Med” includes acacia, sage, chestnut, lime, heather, floral, and honeydew honey. The diversity and richness of Istria’s floral composition directly contribute to the uniqueness of “Istrian Honey” / “Istrski Med”, reflected in its distinctive flavours and aromas.

The specific pollen content in different types of honey gives it unique organoleptic properties. Istrian beekeepers, familiar with the botanical composition and climatic characteristics of various micro-regions, enhance these properties by closely monitoring the phenophases of certain honey plants.

The uniqueness of the production area, the beekeepers’ long-standing experience, and a production tradition dating back to the early 20th century, passed down through generations, ultimately make “Istrian Honey” / “Istrski Med” recognisable to consumers.

Croatia now has 50 products whose names are registered in the European Union as Protected Designation of Origin, Protected Geographical Indication, or Guaranteed Traditional Speciality, and are listed in the EU’s registers of geographical indications for agricultural products and guaranteed traditional specialities.

In addition to the now registered name “Istrian Honey” / “Istrski Med”, the following product names are also registered:

Samoborski bermet, Krčki pršut, Ekstra djevičansko maslinovo ulje Cres, Neretvanska mandarina, Ogulinsko kiselo zelje / Ogulinski kiseli kupus, Baranjski kulen, Lički krumpir, Istarski pršut / Istrski pršut, Drniški pršut, Dalmatinski pršut, Poljički soparnik / Poljički zeljanik / Poljički uljenjak, Zagorski puran, Krčko maslinovo ulje, Korčulansko maslinovo ulje, Paška janjetina, Šoltansko maslinovo ulje, Varaždinsko zelje, Slavonski kulen / Slavonski kulin, Međimursko meso ‘z tiblice, Slavonski med, Lička janjetina, Istra, Paška sol, Zagorski mlinci, Paški sir, Bjelovarski kvargl, Brački varenik, Varaždinski klipič, Malostonska kamenica, Rudarska greblica, Dalmatinska pečenica, Dalmatinska panceta, Lički škripavac, Bračko maslinovo ulje, Zagorski bagremov med, Zagorski štrukli / Zagorski štruklji, Meso istarskog goveda – boškarina / Meso istrskega goveda – boškarina, Samoborska češnjovka / Samoborska češnofka, Lumblija, Goranski medun, Dalmatinska janjetina, Slavonska kobasica, Komiški rogač,  Novigradska dagnja, Varaždinsko bučino ulje, Meso turopoljske svinje, Meso crne slavonske svinje, Ludbreški hren and Vrbovečka pera.