By decree of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, CSQA has been authorized to carry out control and certification activities for the Ciliegia dell'Etna PDO , a fruit of excellence grown in the foothills of Mount Etna, in the province of Catania.The inclusion of the Etna Cherry represents a particularly significant milestone for CSQA: it is the first PDO cherry entrusted to the certification body which, together with the PGIs already inspected, consolidates and strengthens the national control over the cherry sector.
A system of controls that now encompasses the main Italian certified cherry supply chains, confirming CSQA's role as a national benchmark for the promotion and protection of PDO and PGI fruit and vegetable products.
Ciliegia dell'Etna PDO is a niche product that strengthens the reputation of Sicily's basket of Geographical Indications , made up of 67 PDO and PGI products in the food and wine sector, an economic value of 581 million euros and the involvement of over 17,000 operators (Data from the ISMEA-Qualivita 2025 Report).
The Etna Cherry PDO has historically been distinguished by its medium-large size, bright red color, firm, crunchy flesh, and sweet, balanced flavor, determined by low acidity and a good sugar content. These excellent characteristics are also influenced by the long ripening times due to the progressive rise in altitude above sea level of the cultivation areas around Mount Etna.
The new control plan for the PDO Cherry , applied to all stakeholders in the supply chain, includes a system of checks that requires each operator to ensure complete traceability of the product and compliance with correct cultivation, selection and packaging procedures .
Monitoring compliance with the regulated requirements, from soil analysis to the analytical characteristics of the product placed on the market , is thus one of the strengths that contribute to the protection of authentic production and the consumer.
“The authorization for the Ciliegia dell'Etna PDO represents for CSQA an important recognition of the expertise acquired in the certification of quality fruit and vegetable supply chains and, in particular, of the Italian cherry sector” – declares Maria Chiara Ferrarese, General Manager and CEO of CSQA .
"With this new PDO, we consolidate our leading role in the control of Geographical Indication cherries, supporting producers and territories on a journey of valorization that focuses on identity, traceability, and consumer protection."
The Etna Cherry DOP confirms the value of the portfolio of PDO and PGI products certified by CSQA, which currently includes 86 Geographical Indications : a figure that underlines the desire to support the development of quality agri-food supply chains, a symbol of Made in Italy and the vocation of the territories.
>> SEE THE ETNA CHERRY PDO INFORMATION SHEET <<