Definition: AOC - IGP

All factors that determine the authenticity and quality of wine, from the soil to the glass, are identified and subject to rigorous control. AOC wines are each unique products, the result of the terroir, the grape variety or varieties and human talent. Their control is a guarantee of authenticity. All great wines come from AOC regions. In France, the first AOCs date back to 1935. There were 467 at the end of 2002. There are also AOC spirits, such as Cognac, Armagnac, Mirabelle de Lorraine, Calvados, etc. The area of French vineyards classified as AOC represents 480,061 hectares, or 55% of the total wine-growing area, but in terms of turnover, 82% of the total wine value.
However, AOC also applies to products other than wine.

In Switzerland, a legal basis has existed since 1997 that allows other food products to be registered as AOC (Ordinance RS 910.12 of 28 May 1997 on the protection of designations of origin and geographical indications for agricultural products and processed agricultural products). In Europe, the legal basis dates from 1992 (Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92, now Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs). In WTO member countries, the term "geographical indication" is used, which has a legal basis in the 1994 WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement).
A Swiss association has been set up to promote AOCs (controlled designations of origin) and PGIs (protected geographical indications). Both are designed to reassure consumers with undeniable guarantees of quality, meaning, in short, that the product is made using traditional methods based on ancestral recipes, including reliability, origin, controls, typical characteristics, taste, terroir, proximity and quality. Inspired by the European model, Switzerland wants to promote authentic products. Producers are committed to offering impeccable products.
The main difference between these two designations can be summarised as follows:
With AOC, the product is entirely produced in its region of origin, from the production of its raw materials to its final manufacture.
For an AOC cheese, the milk comes from the area of origin, and the cheese is made and matured there. The terroir gives it its typical characteristics and authenticity.
With IGP, at least one stage of production must take place in its region of origin. This is often the case for original products where local production of raw materials alone is not sufficient to meet demand.
The meat in an IGP sausage may therefore come from a farm outside its area of origin. It is above all local expertise that gives it its identity.
Several applications have been submitted for spirits (brandy), cheeses, dried meats and other sausages, etc. See: official quality labels.
See in particular the full presentation under Swiss Association for the Promotion of AOC-IGP IGP
The Swiss Association for AOC-IGP offers several walks and hikes through the AOC-IGP terroirs and specialities, on foot or by bike. We have also selected events for you that offer the opportunity to experience these authentic products in their respective areas of origin.
You can find AOC-IGP walks and events with beautiful photos in the following PDF: