Parma Ham, Parmigiano Reggiano and Comté cheese together in the USA

22/07/02

The makers of French Comté® cheese and Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano® and Prosciutto di Parma® have joined forces with a common goal: to help American consumers and the trade recognize the high quality of these unique foods, and to distinguish between authentic name-protected products and their many imitators.
With support from the European Union, the `3 European Originals` have launched an ambitious three-year campaign to help consumers and the trade understand the importance of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) certification as a tool in identifying authentic foods. Many Americans are already aware of the similar DOC and AOC designation on the labels of fine European wines.
To qualify for this distinction, a food must be produced only in a defined geographical region, following traditional methods dictated by law and enforced by regulatory authorities. Comté, Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano-Reggiano not only meet the criteria, but are among the most renowned food products in the world.
What sets these `3 European Originals` apart? As anyone who has savored a succulent slice of Parma Ham®, long-aged morsel of Parmigiano-Reggiano or savory chunk of Comté can testify, it's the flavor. In each case, the source of excellence can be found in the zone of origin, where the soil, flora, water, climate, local ingredients and traditional production methods impart qualities that cannot be duplicated elsewhere. This principle of quality is expressed succinctly in the French expression terroir.
Rather than rushing their products to market, artisans allow these superb cheeses and air-cured ham to age to their peak maturity and flavor.
In addition to consumer point-of-sale materials, the `3 European Originals` will provide information to distributors, retailers, chefs, food editors, writers and other professionals in the food business.

Contact in the U.S.A:
Ruth LowenbergLewis & Neale Inc.49 East 21st StreetNew York, NY 10010Phone: (212) 420-8808Fax: (212) 254-2452E-mail: info@lewis-neale.com

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