TIRANA, August 30 /ATA/ — Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Anila Denaj, on Saturday presented one of the three official quality schemes for traditional Albanian products: the Traditional Specialty Guaranteed (TSG).
Denaj explained that this scheme aims to protect and promote agricultural and food products that preserve traditional methods of production, processing, or composition.
“TSG highlights the importance of preserving our culinary heritage and supports local producers who work with dedication to maintain the quality and authenticity of traditional products,” Minister Denaj stated.
The products registered so far under this scheme include:
Goat Cheese of the Runja Highlands. This specialty refers exclusively to cheese produced from the milk of the Bulac goat, an indigenous breed registered in the Catalogue of Farm Animal Genetic Resources of Albania.
Dried Plum of Shumbat. This is a traditional product of the Dibra region, prepared from the Trojan plum variety, which has been naturalized in this area. Cultivated for generations in the village of Shumbat, this plum is distinguished by its large size and strong aroma, which it retains even after processing. The processing is carried out according to traditional methods inherited since before the 1990s.
Bedunica Honey. A unique monofloral honey, traditionally produced in the village of Gostovisht in Frashër, from the rare flower of the bedunica plant. This honey is distinguished by its special flavor and high natural value.
Walnut Preserve (Gliko). This is a typical product of Përmet, with a tradition of more than 150 years. The preserve is prepared through a long and careful process that ensures its quality and authentic taste.
Ziem Veleçik Cheese. A distinctive product crafted in line with longstanding Albanian traditions.
Together, these items embody an important part of Albania’s cultural identity and serve as ambassadors of traditional flavor and quality abroad.
The Ministry is inviting citizens and consumers to look for the official TSG logo on Albanian products in order to enjoy an authentic and safe food experience.
The designation “Traditional Specialty Guaranteed (TSG)” applies to agricultural or food products that possess a specific feature or set of characteristics, distinguishing them from other similar products within the same category. The official logo serves as a market differentiator, enabling consumers to identify products that carry the marks of geographic origin and tradition from those that do not.
The TSG highlights the traditional aspect of a product, derived from a production or processing method, or from a composition that corresponds to the traditional practice for that agricultural or food product. These products are made from raw materials or ingredients that have been used in a traditional way over the years.
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