Mortadella di Prato gets PGI classification

Mortadella di Prato has finally been officially recognized as a European Union product of protected geographic origin (PGI). The path to this goal began in 2000 when the then-Prato provincial executive for tourism, Antonio Cirri, initiated a campaign to save this traditional cold cut and renew interest in its production. Even though there was a shortage at the time of pork butchers who knew the recipe, within a few months, on September 12, 2000, guidelines for its production were adopted according to the most traditional method. Today, thanks to producers – Conti and Mannori in the province of Prato and three who work in the province of Pistoia – and Slow Food, a commission exists for this celebrated cold cut, the first of its kind in the province, which collaborates with local authorities, institutions and the Arcigola food association. Since its creation producers have no looked back.

“The PGI recognition for Mortadella di Prato is a great honor for Prato, another challenge won for quality products and the excellence of a tradition carried on with creative passion and tenacity by our extraordinary specialists,” Prato Mayor and Provincial President Matteo Biffoni said in announcing the recognition. “It is a victory that came thanks to a small group of producers who believed in this Mortadella and with determination invested time and money into the project. Today we must thank the Conti brothers and the Mannori family who worked so hard to relaunch this product,” he added.

According to the current Prato provincial executive for tourism, Daniela Toccafondi, “Producers played a fundamental role. With the support of local authorities, they spared no effort or resources, taking part in countless events dedicated to promoting excellent food products. They also researched and re-elaborated the ancient recipe for this product in order to offer us today a cold cut with a delicate and unique flavor that has always met with enormous success at all the foods events it has taken part in. Our commitment now is to continue to support them in promoting this product”.