Not all basil is created equal.
Anyone who truly knows Genoese Basil DOP knows it well: each leaf is the fruit of ancient knowledge, carefully cultivated in the lands overlooking the Ligurian sea, in a unique climate and with practices respectful of tradition. Its delicate aroma and bright color are more than just organoleptic qualities: they are the hallmark of a protected, certified identity that tells the story of a territory and the passionate work of those who produce it.
The Consortium for the Protection of Genoese Basil DOP is responsible for safeguarding and defending this identity. For years, it has been committed to promoting the unique characteristics of this product, ensuring its authenticity and protecting it from imitations.
But today Genoese Basil DOP looks even further.
In fact, he is among the protagonists of the creation of the DOP IGP Fruit and Vegetable Committee , a new national body that unites 32 Italian consortia of certified fruit and vegetables. The announcement came at Macfrut 2025, one of the sector’s leading trade fairs, and marks a significant turning point for the future of Italian agri-food excellence.
Why was the Committee created?
The world of agriculture today faces increasingly complex challenges: climate change, emerging plant diseases, the pressure of international competition, and the need for greater environmental sustainability. Faced with these scenarios, teamwork has become essential.
The Committee was founded with this very spirit: to network the experiences, expertise, and energy of the Consortia that protect Italian PDO and PGI fruit and vegetable products. Together, it will be possible:
- Updating production specifications to adapt to the effects of climate change and new production needs, without losing touch with tradition.
- Strengthen the value of the bond with the territory , clearly distinguishing certified products in the fresh market from generic or standardized ones.
- Giving greater voice and visibility to PDO and PGI products of excellence , not only in the markets but also in the restaurant world, where they become identifying ingredients, capable of telling stories and culture through taste.
As underlined by Gianni Bottino, director of the Consortium for the Protection of Genoese Basil DOP and member of the Committee
“In Liguria, the collaboration between DOP and IGP has been working for a long time. Extending it nationwide was essential to protect our work and promote products like Genoese Basil DOP, which are increasingly in demand abroad.”
Genoese Basil DOP is not just a product: it is an item
Being part of the Committee also means recognizing that excellence cannot remain alone. Genoese Basil DOP, with its history and international reputation, has chosen to share its journey with other iconic products of our country, contributing to the construction of a shared vision for the future of Italian agri-food.
Because protecting Genoese Basil DOP isn’t just a matter of quality: it’s a choice, a commitment to upholding the values of authenticity, sustainability, and biodiversity. And today, thanks to the Committee’s work, this voice will be even stronger.
Add here a block that talks about Macfrut and the event at the “La grande bellezza” stand that took place on the same day as the launch of the Committee where many consortia spoke
The PDO and PGI Fruit and Vegetable Committee’s presentation at Macfrut 2025
On the occasion of Macfrut 2025, the main Italian trade fair event dedicated to the fruit and vegetable sector, Origin Italia officially presented the Dop Igp Fruit and Vegetable Committee , a new internal body within the association which aims to strengthen the synergy between the protection consortia and to provide concrete responses to the needs of the geographical indication fruit and vegetable supply chains.
On the same day as the launch, the Consortium for the Protection of Genoese Basil DOP also participated in the “La Grande Bellezza” event, held within the fair. Numerous consortia, including the Verona PGI peach consortium, the Syracuse PGI lemon consortium, the Verona PGI radicchio consortium, and the Cuneo PGI apple consortium, participated in an important discussion on the future of the sector.
Elisa Traverso , project manager of the Consortium for the Genoese Basil DOP, was present for the event. She shared her local experience and underlined the importance of collaboration between consortia to address common challenges and promote certified products in a coordinated manner.
