Many foods are the result of long traditions, a high level of skill and raw materials grown under favourable growth conditions. This helps to give the products a unique taste and characteristics.

As in EU countries, it is also possible in Norway to register protected names for Norwegian agricultural products, fish and fishery products.

Example
The use of geographical indications for wines and spirits that are produced in the geographical area concerned is prohibited. An example of this is champagne. The term "champagne" is not allowed for sparkling wine unless it is produced in the Champagne region of France.

Stiftelsen Norsk Mat
The marking scheme is administered by the Food Safety Authority through "Stiftelsen Norsk Mat" (former "Matmerk"), and it provides the opportunity to protect product names for this type of goods if they have a specific geographical origin, tradition or distinctive character.

You can find more information about geographical origin and protected designations at:

Stiftelsen Norsk Mat
www.beskyttedebetegnelser.no (Protection of geographical indications in Norway)