The Consortium brings together the artisanal companies producing Modica chocolate and has pursued the goal of granting the product PGI status.
the CONSORTIUM
The Consorzio di tutela del Cioccolato di Modica I.G.P. has been officially recognized by the Ministero dell’Agricoltura, della Sovranità Alimentare e delle Foreste. It brings together the artisanal producers of one of the most representative products of Italian confectionery excellence—the first PGI chocolate in Europe, a symbol of tradition and innovation. The reputation of Modica PGI chocolate is strengthened on both the national and international markets, and even more effective protection of its production chain is ensured, helping to enhance the territory and support small local businesses. With this ministerial recognition, the number of protection consortia in the Italian agri-food sector rises to 183, testifying to the government’s commitment to promoting its enogastronomic excellence. The Modica PGI Chocolate Protection Consortium represents an example of tradition and modernity and promotes a unique heritage, offering new opportunities for economic development.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1529 of the European Commission of 8 October 2018 formally registered Modica chocolate in the register of Protected Geographical Indications.
the DOCUMENTS
The quality and diversity of agricultural, fisheries, and aquaculture production in the European Union represent a key strength and an important competitive advantage for EU producers, and are an integral part of its living cultural and gastronomic heritage. This is due to the expertise and determination of EU farmers and producers, who have preserved traditions while adapting to evolving production methods and materials.
Name
The Protected Geographical Indication “Cioccolato di Modica” is reserved exclusively for products that meet the conditions and requirements set out in this specification.
Product Characteristics
The name “Cioccolato di Modica” refers exclusively to the product obtained from the processing of cocoa mass with sugar.
To promote the application of the production specification for “CIOCCOLATO DI MODICA PGI,” propose any amendments or updates to adapt production to changing market needs, and promote improvements in the qualitative characteristics of the protected product. To define programs including structural measures and technical adjustments aimed at improving production quality in terms of hygiene and safety, as well as the chemical, physical, organoleptic, and nutritional characteristics of the marketed product, also in response to market demands, including those related to the organization of preparation and commercialization of the finished product. To protect, promote, enhance, and safeguard the general interests of “CIOCCOLATO DI MODICA PGI,” including through consumer information.
Recognition of the Modica PGI Chocolate Protection Consortium and assignment of the functions referred to in Article 53, paragraph 15, of Law No. 128 of 24 April 1998, as amended by Article 14 of Law No. 526 of 21 December 1999, including promotion, enhancement, supervision, protection, consumer information, and the general safeguarding of the interests of the PGI “Cioccolato di Modica.”
A voluntary consortium with external activities is established, pursuant to Article 2602 of the Civil Code and Article 14 of Law No. 526 of 21/12/1999, among producers included in the control system of the PGI “Cioccolato di Modica,” named “CONSORZIO DI TUTELA DEL CIOCCOLATO DI MODICA PGI,” hereinafter referred to as the “Consortium.”
The Consortium’s Board of Directors may establish, modify, or close secondary offices, as well as branches, agencies, and representative offices both in Italy and abroad.
Regulation (EU) No. 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 requires that agri-food products benefiting from Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) or Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) be produced in compliance with the relevant product specification and that compliance be verified by a control body authorized by Member States.
The Modica PGI Chocolate Protection Consortium adopts the regulation governing the use of the designation “CIOCCOLATO DI MODICA PGI” in the labeling of processed products. Companies intending to use this designation must first submit a specific request for authorization to the Consortium. The aim of the regulation is to define the limits and conditions for the correct use of the designation “CIOCCOLATO DI MODICA PGI.”
The Modica PGI Chocolate Protection Consortium participates in the digital passport project developed through a partnership between the State Mint and Polygraphic Institute, CSQA Certificazioni, and Fondazione Qualivita—a system that traces the informational heritage of the PGI product’s history and directly connects the supply chain with the consumer.