Consortium activity
The Consorzio per la Tutela Formaggio Piave DOP, which has its headquarters in Busche di Cesiomaggiore (BL) – ITALY, was set up in 2010 to defend the designation of protected origin against abuse, falsification and unfair competition. At the same time, the Consortium aims to safeguard the typicality and special characteristics of Piave DOP cheese, to promote it on all national and international markets and to develop the image of the product by informing consumers.
Protection
Piave cheese has been a Protected Designation cheese since 2010. This means that, by law, it must comply with the requirements laid down in the Production Regulations approved by the European Community, which codify the procedures to be followed throughout the production process. From the origin of the milk, which must be collected exclusively in the province of Belluno from cows typical of the area, to the production and ripening of the cheese, through to packaging, labelling and marketing.
To guarantee compliance with the rules laid down in the Production regulations, every phase is monitored by CSQA, the body recognised for the certification of Piave DOP, and by the Consortium, with the support of the competent authorities, including the MIPAAF (Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies), the N.A.C. (Carabinieri Anti-Fraud Unit), the N.A.S. (Anti-sophistication and Health Dept.), the ICQRF (Central Inspectorate for the protection of quality and fraud repression of agri-food products), etc… The Consortium also helps ensure that none of the operations compromise the authenticity and genuineness of the product, monitoring the use of the name in commercial trade.
Promozione
One of the main aims of the Consortium is the promotion of the Piave DOP cheese brand and the dissemination of correct information on the specific features of the product. More specifically, the Consortium focuses on the following targets:
Consumers, thanks to its presence in numerous sporting, cultural and social activities with booths, information material and guided tastings. Particular attention is paid to future consumers with specially designed activities (e.g., 3D animations and video games).
Trade operators, with activities organised for operators in the large-scale retail sector, such as training days and workshops, and presence at the most important international trade fairs.
Institutions, the Consortium works constantly with the various institutions to promote the culture and traditions associated with high-quality Protected Designation products.
The Consortium is present with promotional initiatives throughout Italy and also abroad, particularly in the US, Canada, Europe and Australia, using press, TV and radio, social media and web campaigns.