AOP / DOC / DOP

AOP (Appellation d'Origine Protegee) is the European designation harmonised since 2009 that groups protected national appellations: AOC in France, DOC and DOCG in Italy, DOP in Spain and Portugal. AOP guarantees that a product (wine, cheese, charcuterie, fruit, vegetable) is produced, transformed and elaborated in a specific geographic zone according to a precise specification. French AOPs count around 451 agricultural products and 363 wine appellations in 2026. Three star chefs systematically display their AOP sourcings on the menu (Saint-Pierre AOP from Brittany, Limousin AOP lamb, Brie de Meaux AOP cheese) (Source: INAO, 2026).