Pork pie protected by EU law

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The decision by the European Commission to grant Protected Geographical Indicator (PGI) status means only pork pies made in the traditional manner and in and around Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire will be allowed to use the town's name.

It comes after a 10-year-campaign lead by local county councillor Matthew O'Callaghan.

Cllr O'Callaghan, chairman of the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association, said: "Friday was the final deadline for the other countries to object to Melton Mowbray getting protected status.

"We heard ... that no objections had been lodged.

"It has been a long campaign and it has inspired others. You now have Cumberland Sausage and Jersey Butter following what we did."

Cllr O'Callaghan, who is vegetarian, said the campaign had increased the profile of the pies and seen sales rise. He said: "The Melton Mowbray market is worth £50million a year. That is a lot of pies.

"There are three things that make them distinctive, firstly the meat is grey because we use fresh pork. Secondly, they are bow-shaped rather than straight sided and this goes back to when they were made at home by farmhands rather than professional bakers. Bakers use hoops that make pies circular and straight sided.

"And thirdly, of course, they are made in the Melton Mowbray area."

The decision will now be published by the European Commission in its official journal and will then become law.