"Denominazione di Origine Protetta" (Protected Designation of Origin), better known by the initials DOP, is a trademark to legally protect the designation attributed by the European Union to those foods whose unique quality characteristics depend mainly or exclusively on the geographical territory where they are produced. For a food to be labelled "DOP", the production, transformation and processing phases must all take place within a defined geographical area. The makers of DOP products must observe the strict production rules laid down in the production regulations, and the respect of these rules is guaranteed by a specific control body.

The traditional competition to select the "best Italian cheese" was held in Saint-Vincent (Aosta) from 2nd to 4th December 2010. The competition is organised by Coopagrival and Caseus Montanus, under the patronage of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.
The jury and data processing were the responsibility of ONAF (the National Association of Cheese-tasters), that awarded Paglierina and Rustino the 1st and 3rd classifications respectively in the soft cheeses section.

The BRC and IFS Standards are international guidelines that aim to standardise (in the face of common principles) the varying standards adopted by the European large-scale distribution system. The BRC (British Retailer Consortium) Standard was established in the United Kingdom, where it is now firmly institutionalised; the IFS (International Food Standard) is a similar tool created by the most important names in German, French and Italian large-scale distribution. Both these Standards envisage certification audits carried out by third party bodies. In practice, the latest editions of the two Standards mean they are now aligned, and this makes it possible to carry out joint certification audits.
[Download certifications BRC and IFS]

Piedmont has always produced great cheeses, and its name is linked with many typical local products. One of the foremost of these is the Toma, whose origins can be traced to the Alpine pastures (then gradually - over the centuries - moving down into the valleys). It's the most widespread and probably the oldest cheese; without doubt it's the one that best expresses the character of an area that boasts a profound, inseparable bond with the mountains surrounding it. In 1982, the Piedmontese Toma obtained the DOC certification, followed by the DOP in 1986. In 2003 the Piedmontese Toma Protection Consortium was created and officially recognised, with the aim of promoting and safeguarding this typical Piedmontese cheese.

An event that's clearly and exclusively b2b, a business platform of international importance for the Italian food and farming system: these are the guidelines of TUTTOFOOD, Milano World Food Exhibition - a trade show that we've been taking part in right from the word go. Managerial know-how, top quality services and organisation, offices throughout the Fiera Milano world - that's why, for the food sector, TUTTOFOOD is the fair of the entrepreneurs, for the entrepreneurs.