02/10/2023 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 2 October, the European Commission announced that it had approved the addition of the Finnish fruit ‘Suonenjoen mansikka’ as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) at EU level. The name ‘Suonenjoen mansikka’ (Suonenjoki strawberry) is used for garden strawberries grown in Northern Savonia, Suonenjoki and neighbouring municipalities. ‘Suonenjoen mansikka’ is entirely red, juicy and velvety smooth on the palate. The strawberry should be sweet and aromatic. Suonenjoki has a long tradition of strawberry growing. Over the years, strawberries have become an integral part of Finnish culinary culture. In 2016, festivities were organised to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ‘Suonenjoen mansikka’. This new denomination will be added to the list of 1,655 food products already protected at EU level. (LC)