It stands for Protected Designation of Origin, and it’s an award given by the European commission, designed to protect traditional, regional foods against imitation.

For chefs, and lovers of fine foods, it’s a guarantee of quality and authenticity. When you see the PDO symbol on any food, you know you’re buying the real thing.

Since the scheme was introduced, Parma ham can only be called Parma ham if it’s made in the city of Parma, northern Italy, using time-honoured local methods.

The same protection is given to champagne, parmesan, stilton, and – we’re very proud to say – Cornish clotted cream.

We campaigned tirelessly for five years to get the PDO. But, we’re pleased to say the EC finally agreed with us that the things that make Cornish clotted cream so special are unique to Cornwall. Namely: our distinctively rich and creamy local milk (a product of the lush pastures, sea breezes and subtropical climate) and the traditional cooking method, which we’ve been using in here in Cornwall for generations.

So now, if you see the words ‘Cornish clotted cream’ on a label, you can be sure that the product inside has been made in Cornwall to the authentic and traditional local method using our exceptionally delicious Cornish milk.

Everyone in the county is extremely proud of achieving a PDO for our beloved Cornish clotted cream. And as for our great-great-grandmother – who started making it back in our kitchen in the late 1800s – well, we think she would have very proud too.