Icelandic Lamb Gains Protected Status
Reykjavík, Iceland – 4 December 2024 – Icelandic Lamb has officially been granted the prestigious Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status by the European Union, marking a significant achievement for Iceland’s agricultural sector.
This certification recognises the unique qualities and traditional production methods of Icelandic Lamb, ensuring that only lamb raised in specific regions of Iceland can bear this esteemed label.
The PDO status acknowledges the exceptional quality of Icelandic Lamb, renowned globally for its distinctive flavour, tenderness, and high-quality meat.
Raised in Iceland’s lush pastures amidst pristine landscapes, the lambs graze on a natural diet consisting of wild herbs, grasses, and seaweed, which contribute to the unique taste that has made the product a treasured delicacy.
“The PDO designation is a tremendous accomplishment for Icelandic agriculture and a tribute to the dedication of our farmers,” said Guðbjörg Ríkey, head of the Icelandic Meat Producers Association. “This recognition ensures that consumers worldwide can enjoy Icelandic Lamb with confidence, knowing it has been produced to the highest standards, in accordance with traditional practices passed down through generations.”
The PDO status guarantees that only lambs born, raised, and slaughtered in Iceland are allowed to be marketed as “Icelandic Lamb”, safeguarding its authenticity and heritage. It also offers greater protection from counterfeiting and misuse of the name in international markets.
Icelandic Lamb is particularly valued for its lean, tender meat and rich flavour, which is enhanced by the island’s clean, unspoiled environment and traditional free-range grazing practices. The lambs are raised without the use of growth hormones and are fed a diet that includes nutrient-dense wild plants.
The PDO status for Icelandic Lamb now joins other renowned Icelandic products such as Icelandic Skyr, further elevating Iceland’s standing in the global market for premium, sustainably produced food.
As part of the EU’s PDO scheme, Icelandic Lamb will benefit from additional protection against imitation and unfair competition, ensuring that the name remains synonymous with quality and authenticity.
This certification is expected to enhance export opportunities for Icelandic farmers and open new doors to markets across Europe and beyond.
With the PDO status now in place, Icelandic Lamb is set to become a more prominent player in the premium food sector, appealing to discerning culinary enthusiasts who seek products rooted in tradition and heritage.
As the PDO logo appears on packaging, it will stand as a symbol of distinction for Iceland’s prized lamb, celebrated both at home and abroad.
About Icelandic Lamb
Icelandic Lamb is a premium meat product from sheep native to Iceland, raised in the country’s unspoiled natural environment. The lambs graze freely on Iceland’s hillsides and coastal areas, feeding on wild grasses and herbs.
Known for its rich, distinctive flavour, Icelandic Lamb is considered a national delicacy and is highly prized by chefs and food lovers for its tenderness, taste, and sustainability.
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