The “MADE IN” source indication

When you drink Champagne, Pu’er tea and Evian, taste Prosciutto di Parma and Cheddar, do you wonder why these premium quality products are so-named? Actually, all of them have a common feature: the geographical indication. Certain products which are made in specific regions are qualified to carry the name affixed with the related production areas.

Another production marking method similar to the geographical indication is the so called “source indication”. The differences between geographical indication and source indication can be classified under three criteria: Production area, Type of product, Purpose/Function.

According to the first criterion, the geographical indication is used for indicating relatively small and specific regions, while the source indication usually refers to a state or a territory.

In regards to the type of products, the geographical indication is the “label” for agricultural/natural products and for local specialties; the source indication instead refers to a wider range of products.

The third distinction operates based on the purpose or function of the indication; this means that if the purpose aims to certify the source and the quality of the product as well as to ensure that its origin is controlled by law, usually the geographical indication is required. If the purpose needs only to indicate where the product comes from, the source indication is considered the best option.

Recently, the database website Statista conducted an investigation on nearly 50 thousand consumers in 52 different nations, in order to research consumers’ opinion on the products made in countries where the “Made-in-Country-Index (MICI)” report has been issued herein. According to this investigation, the European country which holds the record of products’ high reputation is Germany, because general consumers praise the products made in Germany as “high standard of security” and “high quality”. The abovementioned investigation also states that: products made in Switzerland have the reputation of “status symbol” and “authentic and reliable”; products made in Italy are regarded as “unique” and “brilliant design”; while products made in China are considered as high cost performance.

In modern times, the function of “MADE IN” acts the role of trademark, indicating the quality of products and, furthermore, it also represents the national image.

For more information about the geographical and source indication, contact our experts via info@dandreapartners.com