National Recognition as PGI for Sevillian Manzanilla and Gordal Olives

As a preliminary step towards their final registration in the European Union’s official register, the Official State Gazette (BOE) has published the temporary national protection for the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Manzanilla Sevillana or Sevilla Olive and the PGI Gordal Sevillana or Sevilla Olive.

 

This announcement follows the publication of the Regulations for the Governing Councils of these PGIs by the Regional Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development in the Official Gazette of the Andalusian Government (BOJA).

 

These are the two main table olive varieties, distinguished by their unique characteristics. The Manzanilla Sevillana variety is known for its low tree vigor, early production, and excellent quality as a table olive. It has an early to medium flowering period and early maturation. On the other hand, the Gordal Sevillana variety is more vigorous, has medium and alternating production, and features a late flowering and maturation period. It is valued as a table olive primarily for its large size rather than its quality.

 

The production area for both olive varieties includes the entire province of Seville and certain municipalities in the province of Huelva—specifically, 11 municipalities in Huelva for the Manzanilla Sevillana variety and 3 municipalities in Huelva for the Gordal Sevillana variety. These varieties are considered the most prized and widely used for dressing, as they are highly productive and possess excellent technical qualities for being cured green in the traditional Sevillian style.