An air of optimism was brought to the area of Pitsilia by the registration of sausage and lountza Pitsilias in the list of EU-protected geographic indications (PGIs). This is viewed as a major breakthrough for the region that is creating new growth prospects, with the production of value-added products that will put the area on the gastronomic map of Europe.

The Secretary of the Pitsilla Association of Producers of Traditional Meat Products, Niki Kafkalia, expressed satisfaction with the European Commission's decision. Speaking to "Entrepreneurial Limassol", she explained that the effort had begun in 2005, in parallel with the creation of the Association, whose main purpose is to certify the products, submit the relevant applications and draw up all the information requested, for the traditional manufacturing method.

The members of the Association, who have taken on the burden of promoting the relevant process over the last 16 years, are the "KafkaliaTraditional meat products " in Agros, "Madari" in Kyperounta, "Vassiliou" in Pelendri and "Dymes", in Dymes. 

This registration, as well as that of the name Hiromeri Pitsilias in September 2020. Ms. Kafkalia noted, is very important because it now provides the possibility of promoting these products, through one of the most recognized standards of the European Union and protects them from imitations. The registration will also increase demand and sales, making the local traditional meat products more viable, gradually increasing production -- and employees.

A total of 10 Pitsilia producers of Pitsilia will benefit from the registration, of which three are active in Agros, two in Kyperounta, one in Pelendri, one in Dymes, one in Alona and one in Platanistasa. Exports are currently limited, Ms. Kafkalia noted, but action is already being taken by the Union -- and by each company individually -- to increase their exports through European programmes promoting registered products. Next objective is the registration of two other traditional products of the region, posirti and tsamarella.