Two acronyms crowd European labels: PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication). They are not interchangeable.
PDO is the stricter of the two. Every stage — growing, processing, packaging — must occur inside the named region. Penja pepper from Cameroon is PDO: the vines, the drying, even the final sorting all happen on the volcanic plain. Kozani saffron is PDO for the same reason.
PGI requires only that one stage of production take place in the defined area. Tellicherry peppercorns hold a de-facto geographical recognition; Kampot pepper is formally PGI (2010), meaning cultivation and drying must occur in Kampot and Kep provinces, though onward transformation may happen elsewhere.
Both labels are controlled by EU regulation 1151/2012 and require a detailed specification file, annual audits, and a named competent authority (INAO in France, DOP Forum in Italy). A producer claiming either label without registration commits an offence under EU law.
What both labels do not guarantee: organic farming, fair wages, or absolute flavour quality. They guarantee geographical truth and process compliance. Nothing more, nothing less. Read the spec sheet to know what you bought.