Commissioner Hansen has confirmed that the application to register Capocollo di Martina Franca as a protected geographical indication (PGI) has passed the Commission's scrutiny and was published in the Official Journal on 22 June 2026, opening a three-month opposition period. The announcement, in response to a parliamentary question from Valentina Palmisano (The Left), signals that the traditional Apulian cured meat is one step closer to EU-wide protection, benefiting local producers who rely on the PGI label to safeguard their artisanal methods and market position against imitations.
The question, tabled by Palmisano, noted that Italian authorities submitted the request in February 2024, with additional documentation provided in 2024 and 2025. She also highlighted a definitive ruling by the competent Italian administrative court on 30 October 2025, which confirmed the legitimacy of the designation procedure. The Commission's answer clarifies that the application now meets the conditions of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 on geographical indications.
the three-month opposition period began on 22 June 2026. If no admissible objections are received, the Commission will adopt an implementing regulation to register the PGI, a process typically taking four to six additional weeks. This provides a clear timeline for stakeholders, including producers in the Valle d'Itria region and potential opponents.
The policy orientation is firmly pro-protection, aligning with the EU's broader push to strengthen geographical indications under the 2024 regulation. The answer offers no surprises but gives legal certainty to a long-pending application. Institutional follow-up will depend on whether any opposition is filed; if none, registration could be finalised by late September or early October 2026.