After the Pantelleria caper, which has already obtained the PGI registration, Aeolian capers are about to obtain the EU PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) recognition. The decree of the Italian Ministry of Agriculture has already been published in the European Journal. Registration and official status will take place in 3 months.
THE CONSORTIUM FOR THE PROTECTION OF AEOLIAN CAPERS
The Aeolian Consortium is composed of about sixty companies operating in all the islands of the Sicilian archipelago: Lipari, Vulcano, Filicudi, Alicudi, Panarea, Stromboli, and the municipalities of Santa Marina Salina, Malfa and Leni on the island of Salina, in the province of Messina.
THE PDO SPECIFICATION
In the Aeolian Islands about 600-700 tons of capers per year are collected, most of which coming from the island of Salina. The cost of capers is 15 euros per kilo. The PDO recognition shall increase production, which for the moment is not able to meet the demands.
