Piano strategico della PAC 2023 / 2027
Complemento regionale per lo Sviluppo – Rurale della Liguria
Cofinanziato dall’Unione Europea
SRG 10 – promozione dei prodotti di qualità. | Soggetto beneficiario: Consorzio tutela Basilico Genovese DOP | Autorità di Gestione CSR Liguria: politiche.agricole@regione.liguria.it – www.agriligurianet.it

Labeling and communication of Genoese Basil DOP: legal requirements, advice, and opportunities

Labeling well means valorizing your work and building trust

Genoese Basil DOP is much more than an ingredient: it's a guarantee of origin, quality, and a connection to Liguria. Communicating it correctly isn't just a legal requirement, but a concrete opportunity to showcase your work, convey authenticity, and build trust with those who choose your products.

Genoese Basil DOP is always recognizable because:

  • It bears two official logos on the label: the European PDO logo and the Consortium logo
  • use the full name “ Basico Genovese DOP ” in every context

guaranteeing its origin exclusively from farms registered with the DOP, with full traceability and certain provenance.

Words matter.


Only those using certified DOP basil can indicate it as ” Basico Genovese DOP, ” and this must be clearly stated. In all other cases, even when the basil comes from farms located in Liguria, mentioning the geographical origin is not permitted, as established by the General Directorate for Quality of the Ministry of Agriculture in accordance with current legislation that prohibits geographical references when a protected DOP exists in the area.

Where it is important to use the full term “Basilico Genovese DOP”:

on the labels of DOP certified fresh basil

on the labels of processed products (such as pesto)

in information materials at points of sale and in restaurants (menus, signage)

in all commercial and institutional communications (websites, brochures, trade fairs, social media)

In the case of generic basil (not DOP), it should simply be indicated as “basil”, without any additions that evoke Ligurian origin or tradition.

Correctly using logos and the PDO designation strengthens the value of the product and protects the entire supply chain.
It is a gesture of professionalism, transparency, and respect towards the consumer and towards those who work passionately to keep this excellence alive.

Find out what DOP means

Genoese Basil DOP is a unique and certified product.

It is not generically “Ligurian basil”: it is grown according to precise specifications, in a delimited territory and with methods that respect tradition.
It is subject to checks, traced at every stage of the supply chain, and guaranteed by a European-recognized system, which also establishes rules for generic basil, thus avoiding improper references to protected territoriality.

When you talk about Basilico Genovese DOP, you communicate:

  • certified origin
  • recognized quality
  • identity values of a unique territory

Communicating all this correctly allows you to:

  • tell the story of a real product, not a generic one
  • give more value to your work
  • strengthen your customer’s trust

FIND OUT MORE

Labelling of Genoese Basil DOP

How to promote fresh Genoese DOP basil with transparency and clarity

If you sell fresh DOP certified basil , there are simple but important rules that help you communicate it in the right way:

What to do:

  • Always use the full name “Basilico Genovese DOP”
  • Insert the official logos (European PDO and Consortium)
  • Please indicate the origin correctly (Liguria)
  • Specify the name and address of the manufacturing company

Why do it:

  • To convey real and recognizable value
  • To protect your business and avoid penalties
  • To contribute to coherent and shared communication

In the case of generic non-PDO basil

It is important to avoid references that could create confusion:
  • Do not use geographical references to areas of Liguria in the product name such as "di Albenga", "di Pra", "della riviera ligure", "ligure" etc.
  • Do not insert graphic or descriptive elements that recall Liguria
  • Don't give the impression that it is a certified product if it is not.

Even those who work with conventional basil have everything to gain from clear and honest communication: it avoids misunderstandings, protects the consumer, and clearly distinguishes their product.

Find out everything you need to know in the dedicated section

Labeling of pesto and products with Genoese Basil DOP

If Genoese Basil DOP is a characterizing ingredient of your product, make the most of it!

When Genoese Basil DOP is used in processed products – such as pesto, specialties, drinks, ready meals – there are precise rules that allow you to communicate clearly and exploit its full potential:

If the product contains Genoese Basil DOP:

  • Indicate it with the full name among the ingredients
  • With prior authorization from the Protection Consortium, you can specify on the front of the label the wording in quotation marks: “ with Genoese Basil DOP ” respecting the rules of subordination and/or use the official logo
  • You can highlight it by using it alongside the product name and in product promotion and communication materials.

This allows you to:

communicate authenticity and quality

give your product a strong identity

differentiate yourself on the market

If you do NOT use Basilico Genovese DOP but generic basil:

  • You cannot evoke Liguria or specific areas of Liguria in association with the name "basil"

Properly marketing even generic basil is a way to be fair and credible and avoid the penalties set forth by the PDO protection regulations.

Find out everything you need to know in the dedicated section

Useful resources for you

Do you need official materials, examples, or clarifications?

DOWNLOAD THE DOP LOGOS

Low definition EU logo
Low definition Genoese Basil DOP logo
High definition Genoese Basil logo
Technical data sheet Logo Basilico Genovese DOP

DOWNLOAD THE COORDINATED IMAGE MANUAL FOR GENOESE BASIL DOP

BRAND MANUAL

DOWNLOAD THE LABELLING RULES

REGOLAMENTO ETICHETTATURA

Need support?

The Consortium for the Protection of Genoese Basil DOP is available to operators for clarifications, consultations, and personalized support.

  • Information desk in Genoa at Salita Santa Caterina 50R - by appointment only.