When a region is famed for a particular product or staple, it is only a matter of time before a regulatory body is created to define and enforce the local quality standards. We are all used to seeing wine appellations or regions, not just the name of the producer, on a wine bottle the same denominations of origin are widely used for cheese, meats, beer, and many other products.
Higher quality commands higher prices, but it's not only the profit that motivates local producers to maintain quality standards. A well-made product is also a point of pride and is an investment in the reputation and the future of one's business.
The historical region of Empordā (Ampurdán), made out of the Baix Empordā and Alt Empordā districts where the principal resorts of the Costa Brava are located, has several brands of products with guaranteed origin and quality. Some of the most famous, in and outside of Spain, are wines from DO Empordā, the Prawns from Palamós (Gamba de Palamós) and the Anchovies from L'Escala (Anxoves de LEscala).
Visitors to Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Begur, Pals, Cadaqués and other charming towns of the coast should take note of one more brand, which, while less known than those mentioned above, is no less practical it is, of course, The Products from Empordā (Productes de l'Empordā).
Established in 2003, the mark of Productes de l'Empordā certifies that a product with such a designation has been made in the Emporda region following a traditional recipe. The latter means that most Productes de l'Empordā are made in smaller-sized family businesses rather than in industrial-size factories.
The list of Productes de l'Empordā currently includes:
- Rice from Pals (Arrōs de Pals)
- Sweet sausage (Botifarra dolįa)
- Donuts from Empordá (Brunyols de l'Empordā)
- Onion from Figueres (Ceba de Figueres)
- Blond-eyed beans (Fesol de l'ull ros)
- Stuffed apples from Vilabertran (Poma de relleno de Vilabertran)
- Cottage cheese (Recuit)