DOP 'Banski kestenov med': what it means for honey producers and marketers in the EU

Key data

If you market chestnut honey in the EU or compete in that segment, this regulation affects you directly. The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2290, published on 15 October 2026, formally registers Bulgarian chestnut honey «Banski kestenov med» in the European register of geographical indications as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143.

This is not a minor administrative procedure: PDO protection has immediate legal effects in all 27 member states. Using the denomination without complying with the specification requirements is an infringement that can be pursued throughout the EU.

What does this regulation establish?

The Regulation formalizes the registration of «Banski kestenov med» in the European register of geographical indications, the same register where denominations such as Jamón de Teruel or Queso Manchego appear. From its entry into force, this honey is protected by the strongest legal protection offered by the EU in terms of agri-food quality.

The key elements established by the regulation are:

• Protection against misuse and imitations throughout the European internal market. No one can use the denomination «Banski kestenov med» or expressions that evoke its origin if the product does not comply with the specification.
• Exclusive right to the PDO seal for producers in the delimited geographical area in Bulgaria who meet the specification requirements.
• Obligation to cease for any operator currently marketing similar products under that denomination without being authorized to do so.
• Strengthening of added value of the product for authorized producers, by associating the denomination with a verified and protected origin and characteristics.

The legal basis is Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, which is the current European regulatory framework for the protection of geographical indications for agricultural and food products.

Economic and operational impact

The impact has two opposite sides depending on the operator's position in the market:

From an operational perspective, the immediate cost for operators that need to adapt falls mainly on review and updating of labeling and verification that no commercial material (catalogs, website, packaging) uses the protected denomination in an unauthorized manner.

Who does it affect?

• Bulgarian beekeeping producers in the delimited geographical area that produce chestnut honey under the denomination «Banski kestenov med»: can apply for and use the PDO seal.
• Honey marketers and distributors in any EU member state that use or have used this denomination without being authorized: must cease use immediately.
• Importers and wholesalers of chestnut honey operating in the European market: must verify that their product and commercial communication do not infringe the new protection.
• Manufacturers of products incorporating chestnut honey (nougat, pastries, natural cosmetics): if they mention «Banski kestenov med» in their labeling or advertising, they must ensure that the ingredient comes from authorized PDO producers.
• Online sales platforms and marketplaces that market honey in the EU: responsibility to verify that sellers using the denomination are authorized.

Practical example

Imagine a Spanish artisanal honey distributor company that imports chestnut honey from Bulgaria and markets it under the description «Banski chestnut honey» in its catalog and labeling, without the supplier producer being registered in the PDO specification.

From 8 October 2026, that company is using a protected denomination in an unauthorized manner. The direct consequences are:

1. Obligation to remove or modify labeling containing the denomination «Banski kestenov med» or expressions that evoke it.
2. Review of all marketing materials, website and catalogs where the denomination appears.
3. Verification with its Bulgarian supplier whether it is authorized to produce under the PDO seal or if it must find an alternative certified supplier.

Conversely, a Bulgarian producer in the delimited area that does comply with the specification can now certify its honey as PDO, access premium distribution channels throughout the EU and charge a differential price backed by European legal protection.

What should companies do now?

1. Audit labeling and commercial materials: Review whether the denomination «Banski kestenov med» or similar expressions that may evoke it appear in any product, catalog, website or packaging.
2. Verify supplier status: If you work with Bulgarian chestnut honey, confirm with your supplier whether it is registered in the PDO specification and authorized to use the protected denomination.
3. Cease unauthorized use immediately: The entry into force is 8 October 2026, so any unauthorized use is already an active infringement. Do not wait for the next label renewal.
4. Consult the official EU register of geographical indications: Verify in the GI View database the status and exact conditions of the PDO «Banski kestenov med».
5. If you are an authorized producer: Initiate the process to obtain PDO certification and begin using the seal in your commercial communication to take advantage of the differential value that European protection provides.

Official source

Consult full regulation in official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202602290