IGP 'Olio dei Colli di Bologna': what Spanish oil producers must do

Key data

Olive oil producers from the Colli di Bologna (Italy) have just obtained the strongest protection offered by the European single market: registration as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2078, published on September 16, 2026, formalizes that registration in the European register of geographical indications under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143.

For the Spanish oil sector, this is not background news: it is an immediate operational restriction. The protection has been in force since September 9, 2026 and covers not only the exact use of the name, but also imitations and evocations.

What does this regulation establish?

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2078 registers the designation "Olio dei Colli di Bologna" in the official register of geographical indications of the European Union. This registration has three immediate legal effects throughout EU territory:

• Protection against unauthorized uses: no operator outside the delimited geographical area may market an oil under that designation.
• Protection against imitations: it is prohibited to use names, presentations or labeling that imitate or evoke the registered designation, even if accompanied by expressions such as "type", "style" or "imitation".
• Protection against evocations: even phonetically similar or visually similar terms may constitute infringement if they induce the consumer to associate them with the registered PGI.

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

Economic and operational impact

The registration of a new PGI in the European oil sector has direct consequences on two levels: the competitive and the regulatory compliance.

Competitive level: PGIs are a key factor of added value in the European olive oil market. An oil with a PGI seal can justify higher prices and access premium distribution channels. Each new registered PGI strengthens the position of protected Italian producers and narrows the differentiation space for competitors without protected designation.

Compliance level: For Spanish operators, the immediate impact is the review of labels, trade names and marketing materials. If any product in the portfolio uses terms similar to "Olio dei Colli di Bologna"—in any language—or evokes that designation, it must be corrected without delay. The protection is applicable from September 9, 2026.

Who does it affect?

• Olive oil producers in Spain and the EU that market products with designations similar to or evoking "Olio dei Colli di Bologna".
• Packagers and distributors that include in their catalog oils with labeling that could be confused with the new PGI.
• Importers and exporters of olive oil that operate in European markets and use Italian geographical designations in their products.
• Marketing and design departments responsible for labels, packaging and promotional materials for olive oils.
• Legal and compliance advisors in the agri-food sector who must review their clients' portfolio of designations.
• Italian producers from the Colli di Bologna, who can now use the PGI seal and access enhanced protection throughout the single market.

Practical example

A Spanish olive oil bottling company has in its catalog a reference called "Oil of the Colli — Italian selection", marketed in Spain and Germany. Although the name does not exactly reproduce "Olio dei Colli di Bologna", the geographical reference to "Colli" in the context of an Italian oil can be considered an evocation of the newly registered PGI.

From September 9, 2026, that designation is in the risk zone. The competent authorities of any Member State may initiate proceedings for breach of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. The company should review with its legal advisor whether the designation is sufficiently differentiated or whether it requires a name change and relabeling before the next commercial campaign.

What should companies do now?

1. Audit the catalog of designations: review all olive oil references in the portfolio to identify names, labels or materials that use terms similar to or evoking "Olio dei Colli di Bologna".
2. Assess the risk of evocation: it is not enough to avoid using the exact name. Any term that could induce the consumer to associate the product with the registered PGI is potentially infringing. Consult with a specialist in industrial property or geographical indications.
3. Update labels and packaging: if risk is detected, initiate the process of changing the designation and relabeling before the next sales campaign. The protection is in force from September 9, 2026.
4. Review contracts with distributors: ensure that commercial agreements do not include commitments to sell under designations that could infringe the new PGI.
5. Monitor new PGIs in the oil sector: the registration of "Olio dei Colli di Bologna" is part of an ongoing process. The European register of geographical indications is updated periodically. Set up alerts for new registrations in the sector.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Disclaimer: 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_202602078