The renowned Mediterranean elixir of health has achieved the status of a product with a protected designation of origin (PDO)
In collaboration with the Food Safety Agency of BiH (the Agency), USAID Turizam is working to increase the number of products with a protected geographical indication. At a ceremony held yesterday in Mostar, the Agency awarded this status to Herzegovinian olive oil. This initiative enhances BiH’s tourism potential, attracting tourists seeking authentic culinary experiences and rich cultural heritage.
“This recognition is yet another testament to Herzegovina’s richness and its enormous potential for tourism development based on authentic products and experiences. Olive oil, as an essential element of Mediterranean culture and tradition, is not only a high-quality food product but also an opportunity for further growth in gastronomic tourism, which is increasingly appealing to tourists seeking unique experiences. We look forward to continuing collaboration on projects that strengthen local communities and preserve cultural heritage,” stated USAID Turizam Chief of Party Feđa Begović.
Herzegovinian olive oil, with a tradition spanning two thousand years, is distinguished by its spicy notes, bitterness, and fruity aromas. Its quality is confirmed by numerous awards at fairs and oil quality evaluations, and international media, including Olive Oil Times Magazine, have ranked it among the rising stars of Mediterranean olive oil production. See more photos from the official ceremony in the photo gallery above.
About the “Golden Drops of Herzegovina” and the Development of Olive Oil Tourism
Džemil Hajrić, Director of the Food Safety Agency of BiH, emphasized that “Products with a protected designation of origin are deeply connected to their place of production, as they are entirely produced within a specific geographical area using local skills and raw materials. The quality of these products is directly linked to the natural factors and people of the region.”
According to the director of the Federal Agro-Mediterranean Institute, professor Marko Ivanković, the region currently has 10 large olive groves and about 800 family farms managing 521 hectares of olive trees, producing 380,000 liters of oil annually. Ivanković highlights that the industry’s strategic goal is to reach 1,000 hectares in the medium term.
Josip Matić, President of the Herzegovinian Association of Oil Producers and Olive Growers (HUUM), recalled the dedicated work of the association:“The association, which now has 95 members and is growing, is committed to promoting and preserving extra virgin olive oil from Herzegovina, especially with its PDO status. Our goals include establishing new olive groves, registering olive growers, and supporting technical and educational initiatives. We focus on promoting the brand ‘Golden Drops of Herzegovina’ and developing olive oil tourism through projects like the Herzegovina Olive Oil Route, which supports rural development and prevents village depopulation. ”
USAID Turizam continues its dedicated work on the sustainable development of the tourism industry in BiH, celebrating and protecting the rich culture, cuisine, and traditions of this country. In August 2024, the project supported efforts to protect Sarajevo’s ćevapi with PDO status and continues excellent cooperation with the Food Safety Agency of BiH to increase the number of protected products across the country.
