Designation - A Symbol of Quality

Over the years, choices made by consumers have been steadily moving towards more nutritious, healthier and tastier foods, produced using methods that respect the environment. The ultimate goal of this tendency is a search for quality.

Although this is a somewhat subjective concept, quality in the eyes of consumers now includes various notions such as food safety, respect for the environment and the wellbeing of animals. As is also evidenced by standards currently applied in most countries, the protection of natural resources or other ethical type requirements, consumers have demonstrated they wish to go beyond intrinsic characteristics. Although foods may be subjected to very strict rules of labeling, their nutritional value is naturally more relevant because from a cultural viewpoint it remains linked to food customs. Finally, certain aspects related to quality are optional since they are somewhat subjective, meaning they vary according to certain consumer preferences (taste, odor, appearance, etc).

Among the growing number of foodstuffs now available in stores, some are presented as having added value. This has to do with their being produced in a precise area or according to a specific traditional method, or quite simply because very particular care were used in their production methods (e.g.: organic agriculture), with attention also being paid to the environment and the wellbeing of animals.

Each country has a rich variety of food products to offer, and generally an image of good quality is associated with them. As soon as a product acquires a reputation beyond the borders of its country of origin, however, it is not unusual that consumers are confronted with products from foreign markets, with their name having been imitated them and encroached upon. Not only does this unfair competition discourage producers, but it also leads to errors by consumers. For this reason in 1996 Quebec passed the Act Respecting Reserved Designations, in order to protect and to encourage the development of agrifood products that bear symbols identifying their superior quality.

A product bearing a designation is an undeniable sign that it will have a fascinating story to be told.

• What is a Reserved Designation?
• Why do we Use Reserved Designations?
• Types of Designations Around the World
• Examples of Products Bearing Designations
• To Whom Does the Law Apply?