How to Support Your Christmas Local Flavour:Turn to the SMEs

Christmas is not only a time for sharing gifts but also an opportunity to give back to our communities. One impactful way is by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food sector, particularly those that produce foods and drinks with Geographical Indications (GIs). These products are steeped in tradition and tied to the heritage of specific regions.

Here’s why and how you can celebrate Christmas with local flavour while supporting these vital businesses.

Why Geographical Indications Matter

Geographical Indications are much more than just labels on products. They signify a deep connection between food and the land, people, and traditions that create it. These products are recognized for their quality, authenticity, and cultural significance. Supporting GI producers helps:

1. Preserve Local Heritage: GIs protect traditional methods and recipes, safeguarding the cultural identity of a region.
2. Promote Sustainable Practices: Many GI producers prioritize sustainability, using techniques honed over centuries.
3. Boost Local Economies: SMEs in this sector often rely on local supply chains, creating jobs and fostering economic resilience.

Ways to Support SMEs Producing GIs

1. Shop Locally

Christmas markets are a festive haven for locally produced goods, including GI products. Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Discover Authentic Flavours: Seek out stalls selling regionally certified products like cheeses, cured meats, wines, or baked goods.
• Ask Questions: Engaging with producers helps you learn about their craft and demonstrates your support for their efforts.
• Spread the Word: Share your finds on social media or with friends and family to amplify the visibility of these artisans.

2. Choose GI Products for Your Holiday Table

Craft a GI-Inspired Menu: Incorporate PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) or PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) products into your meals. 

Support Artisan Bakers and Confectioners: Look for GI-certified sweets like Panettone from Italy or Belgian chocolate to add a touch of heritage to your dessert spread.

3. Gift with Meaning

Give the gift of flavour this Christmas:

• Create GI Hampers: Curate hampers featuring local GI products, such as olive oils, honeys, or wines from nearby regions.
• Opt for Experience-Based Gifts: Many GI producers offer tours or tasting experiences. Gifting a visit to a local vineyard or cheese factory can be both unique and memorable.
• Personalize Your Gifts: Attach a note sharing the story behind the product, emphasizing its connection to a specific place and tradition.

4. Dine at Restaurants Championing Local GIs

Many restaurants are committed to sourcing local and GI-certified ingredients. Support these establishments by:

• Booking Christmas Gatherings: Choose eateries that highlight regional dishes made with GI products.
• Asking About the Menu: Inquire whether the restaurant works with local suppliers or features GI-certified items.
• Leaving Reviews: Positive feedback encourages more restaurants to prioritize GI products and SMEs.

5. Educate Yourself and Others

Awareness is a powerful tool for change. This Christmas, take time to learn and share:

• Understand GI Labels: Familiarize yourself with the differences between PDO, PGI, and TSG (Traditional Specialities Guaranteed).
• Share Stories: Talk about the heritage and sustainability efforts of GI producers when hosting or gifting.

6. Advocate for GI Products Online

The digital world is a powerful platform for supporting SMEs. Here’s how you can help:

• Shop on Local E-Commerce Platforms: Many SMEs now sell their GI products online, allowing you to buy directly from the source.
• Engage on Social Media: Follow and promote GI producers’ accounts. Share their posts and tag them in your holiday celebrations.

7. Host a GI Tasting Evening

Make your holiday gatherings educational and fun:

• Theme Your Event: Focus on a specific cuisine or product 
• Highlight the Story: Introduce each product with its history and production method.
• Pair and Share: Collaborate with friends to explore pairings of GI products like port wine and blue cheese.

8. Advocate for Policy Support

While individual actions are impactful, systemic change ensures long-term sustainability for SMEs:

• Support Local Campaigns: Advocate for public policies that protect and promote GIs.
• Engage with EU Initiatives: The EU plays a significant role in GI regulation. Support their campaigns and share their resources. For example, follow #SMEOrigin project on social media or join our Platform for Exchange of Experience. 

As you prepare for the holiday season, let your choices reflect a commitment to local traditions and sustainable practices. Supporting SMEs producing GIs isn’t just about enjoying world-class food—it’s about preserving the heritage, culture, and livelihoods that make these products so special. This Christmas, let’s make every bite and sip count by championing the local flavours that define our regions.