After long years of collective work, Montélimar nougat has just been recognized as an IGP (Protected Geographical Indication).
The good news, awaited for so long, fell on Tuesday: Montélimar nougat is officially recognized as a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) by the European Union.
On the side of the Syndicat des Fabricants de Nougat de Montélimar, which carried out the initiative, we would have, to some extent, sandblasted the champagne. In any case, the two co-presidents were delighted.
Pride
“We are very happy after so much work and so many years”; rejoiced Frédéric Chambonnière (Nougats Diane de Poytiers), “it’s a very nice recognition, a very nice pride. This IGP was desired by the profession. This label shows that our nougat is a quality product. It tells the consumer.”
“We are very proud,” said Marie-Claude Stoffel, boss of the giant Chabert & Guillot and co-president of the union, “We are all very happy. This puts the spotlight on a quality product. It's a European label, which is not insignificant. Faced with consumers' distrust of the food industry, this PGI will allow us to give them confidence. This will contribute to the attractiveness of Montélimar. 90% of people think of nougat when they think of Montélimar, and think of Montélimar when they think of nougat. We will also be able to protect ourselves against those who produce Montélimar nougat which is not any. We will be able to take action against fraud and enforce the law, including at European level.”
Long-term work
The nougat makers of Montélimar even expect that obtaining the IGP will stimulate sales of their famous delicacy. Especially since the label is European. “It’s a big advantage,” comments Frédéric Chambonnière, “it will help us with exports.” Marie-Claude Stoffel also hopes for additional sales, in any case increased visibility nationally and internationally.
While France, through the National Committee for PGIs of the National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO), had approved in August 2023, the specifications concerning the name “Nougat de Montélimar” PGI, it It is therefore Europe's turn to ratify this decision. Obtaining the IGP is the result of intense teamwork led by the union. A reward for a sector that has managed to structure itself.
The official PGI request by the nougat manufacturers of Montélimar, members of the Union, dates from December 20, 2016.
But the steps were taken more than 30 years ago, notably by Didier Chabert and François Roelens. The idea of promoting Montélimar Nougat dates back to the 1960s when the profession defended its interests during the construction of the A7 motorway.
The next step will be, in January 2025, audits intended to verify that the nougat makers are complying with the specifications. Other controls will subsequently verify compliance with the specifications.
C.G.
The nougat industry in figures
Montélimar nougat is:
– 13 manufacturers (15 brands) are members of the ODG (Defense and Management Organization) which is the Union of “Nougat de Montélimar” Manufacturers.
– 3,000 tonnes of nougat produced per year
– 200 direct jobs
The rules to respect
To benefit from the “Nougat de Montélimar IGP” label, nougat manufacturers must comply with certain rules:
– The production site must be located in the identified geographical area,
– Applicants for this label must be members of the Union – Defense and Management Organization and have paid contributions (which allow collective investment in the process and in controls),
-The manufacturer must be certified by the organization which carries out the audits (accreditation and annual monitoring),
-Respect the communication rules on their packaging.
