PDO Sierras Espadán and Calderona Oil: what changes for producers and marketers

Key data

Producers and marketers of olive oil from the Sierras Espadán and Calderona have had, since 29 July 2026, a recognized differential asset throughout the European Union. The European Commission has registered this denomination in the official register of EU geographical indications through Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1871, under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143.

The protection is not symbolic: it is legally binding in all 27 Member States. Any company that uses the name "Oil of the Sierras Espadán and Calderona" without authorization commits an infringement that can be prosecuted throughout the EU.

What does this regulation establish?

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1871 formally registers Oil of the Sierras Espadán and Calderona in the Register of Geographical Indications of the European Union in the category of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).

A PDO is the most demanding protection figure within the European system of geographical indications. It implies that:

• The production, processing and elaboration of the oil must be carried out entirely in the delimited geographical area.
• The product must comply with the registered specifications, which define admitted olive varieties, extraction methods, organoleptic characteristics and other technical requirements.
• Only operators registered in the corresponding control system can market the oil under this denomination.
• Protection automatically extends to all EU Member States, without the need for additional procedures in each country.

Improper use of the name—whether on labels, advertising, commercial documents or digital platforms—is prohibited for any unauthorized third party, regardless of where it is established.

Economic and operational impact

Recognition as PDO has direct consequences on two levels: opportunities for legitimate producers and restrictions for those who do not meet the requirements.

Opportunities for the local sector:

• Greater added value: PDO oils systematically obtain higher prices in the market compared to oils without denomination. The PDO label is a recognized sales argument for distributors, importers and European consumers.
• Differentiation in international markets: Protection is valid throughout the EU, which facilitates access to premium channels in France, Germany, the Netherlands or Nordic countries without the need for additional certifications by country.
• Premium positioning: The olive oil sector of the Comunitat Valenciana now has a marketing instrument backed by the European Commission.

Operational obligations:

• Producers who want to benefit from the PDO must register in the control system and comply with the registered specifications.
• Oil mills and marketers must review their labels, contracts and marketing materials to ensure that the use of the denomination is compliant.
• Companies that currently use the name without being in the delimited area or without complying with the specifications must cease that use.

Who does it affect?

• Olive producers in the geographical area of the Sierras Espadán and Calderona (Comunitat Valenciana): can access the PDO if they comply with the specifications.
• Oil mills located in the delimited area: must register in the control system to be able to use the denomination on their products.
• Marketers and distributors of olive oil operating with oil from this area: obliged to verify that the use of the name is authorized.
• Companies outside the area that have used the name "Sierras Espadán" or "Calderona" on their labels or communications: must review and, if applicable, withdraw that use.
• Importers and European distributors that market Spanish olive oil in other Member States: protection requires them to verify the legitimacy of the denomination in the products they distribute.

Practical example

An oil mill located in a municipality in the Espadán sierra that already produces extra virgin olive oil with autochthonous varieties from the area now has the possibility of requesting its registration in the PDO control system. Once registered and compliance with the specifications verified, it will be able to label its oil with the EU PDO logo and the mention "Oil of the Sierras Espadán and Calderona PDO".

This allows it to access supermarket shelves specialized in France or Germany that require designation of origin, negotiate higher prices with European importers and participate in promotion programs co-financed by the EU for products with protected geographical indication.

Conversely, a bottling company outside the area that has so far used references to "the Sierras Espadán" on its labeling must remove that mention, as its use without authorization constitutes a breach of Regulation (EU) 2026/1871 that can be prosecuted throughout the EU.

What should companies do now?

1. Verify if your activity is within the delimited geographical area. Only operators in the area can benefit from the PDO. Consult the registered specifications to know the exact limits.
2. Review labeling and commercial materials. If you use references to "Sierras Espadán", "Calderona" or similar denominations, check that you have the right to do so. If you are not in the area or do not comply with the specifications, remove those references.
3. Start the registration process in the control system if you are a producer or oil mill in the area and want to market under the PDO. Contact the corresponding regulatory council or the competent authority of the Comunitat Valenciana.
4. Update contracts with distributors and customers. If you market this oil, ensure that contracts correctly reflect the use of the denomination and the conditions of the PDO.
5. Take advantage of promotion opportunities. Products with PDO can access promotion programs co-financed by the EU. Consult the available calls in the Ministry of Agriculture and the Generalitat Valenciana.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source — Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1871

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_202601871