Scotland backs bid to secure EU GI status for Cambus O'May cheese
Launching the bid last week, Richard Lochhead, the Scottish Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, described Cambus O'May cheese - produced by Cambus O'May Cheese Company in Ballater, Aberdeenshire - as "the only one of its kind in Scotland."
The EU's Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) schemes - know collectively as GIs - recgonise a product as originating in a particular region or locality where a "given quality, reputation or other characteristic" is essentially attributable to its geographical origin.
Alex Reid of Cambus O'May Cheese Company produces the unpasteurised cheese using a sixth generation family recipe passed down to him by his mother.
“Achieving PFN [protected food name] status for our signature Cambus O’May cheese will not only put our company firmly on the world cheese map, but also the North East of Scotland," said Reid.
If the bid is successful, Cambus O'May cheese will join a growing list of popular Scottish products that hold EU GI status.
In November 2013, Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar was granted PGI status.
In April this year, Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese was awarded the same protection by the EU.
"Scotland is world-famous for our wonderful food and drink, and people want to know they are buying the rel deal," said Lochhead.
"Achieving PFN status for Cambus O'May cheese will ensure that consumers at home and abroad have a 100% guarantee on the product's authenticity," he added.
