Competition
The increase of competition in the global food market, combined with the consumers demand and expectation for high-quality products, lead to the need for the development of new tools and methodologies for controlling the quality and authenticity of food.
Current Situation
The uniqueness of products of specific geographical indication is mainly based on quality characteristics which are difficult to be reflected as physical-chemical parameters. Although, the differentiated physico-chemical values are included in the specific characteristics of such products, they cannot be considered as parameters for geographical indication and do not allow the discrimination from similar products.
Restrictions on verifying the geographical origin of agricultural products
Even though diverse analytical methods can be utilized to inspect the composition and/or possible adulteration of agricultural products, they provide only limited information concerning the geographical origin. It is commonly accepted that the development of analytical techniques for authenticity control and verification of geographical origin is a particularly challenging problem.
Unfair Competition
Τhe marketing of counterfeit or altered products creates unfair competition for the genuine ones. Thus, it is required the development of specific analytical techniques and parameters that will allow more effective control of the geographical origin of agricultural and food products.
