By James Gant For Mailonline
Published: 13:32 GMT, 20 February 2019 | Updated: 14:40 GMT, 20 February 2019
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A British plum has been given the same protected status as French Champagne, Italian prosciutto ham and Spanish manchego cheese.
The Denbigh Plum has been awarded protected designation of origin status by the European Union.
The scheme, authorised by the European Commission, recognises quality agricultural food and drink that are processed and prepared in a specific region using expertise.
The Denbigh Plum has been awarded protected designation of origin status by the European Union. It is given to recognise quality agricultural food and drink that are processed and prepared in a specific region using expertise
Nia Williams, secretary of the Denbigh Plum Group, said: 'This is the consequence of years of work by a group of volunteers from the Denbigh area to protect Wales' only native plum'
Types of protection -
Traditional speciality guaranteed (TSG): It must have a traditional name and characteristics that distinguish it from other similar products. Protected geographical indication (PGI): The item must be produced, processed or prepared in the area you want to associate it with. Protected designation of origin (PDO): It must be produced, processed and prepared in one area and have distinct characteristics from this area.Who can apply -
Individual food producers can apply or can form a group. This can include as many people as needed. Has to have a product name protected as well as a draft product specification. Make specification as clear as possible - it needs to show how another producer in the area with the product could make the same product.There has been a lengthy fight to recognise the plum - Wales' only native variety - which is found in the market town in the Vale of Clwyd.
Nia Williams, secretary of the Denbigh Plum Group, said: 'This is the consequence of years of work by a group of volunteers from the Denbigh area
