The 'Garbanzo Campiña de Córdoba' is on the verge of achieving European Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. Following the submission and review of documentation by the European Commission, the product from Córdoba faces the final step for its registration in the EU's Register of Geographical Indications.
The Regional Government of Andalusia, in collaboration with producers, has championed this initiative to enhance the competitiveness and profitability of farmers, as well as to highlight the quality and uniqueness of this chickpea. Once it receives approval from Brussels, the Córdoba PDO will join the 'Garbanzo de Escacena', which already holds a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for areas in Huelva and Seville, becoming another benchmark for Andalusian legumes.
The chickpea covered by this new PDO will be of the 'creamy white' variety, known for its tender, creamy, and fine texture. Its cultivation is concentrated in 27 municipalities across five regions of the province: Córdoba capital, Campiña Este, Campiña Sur, Alto Guadalquivir, and Valle Medio del Guadalquivir. This geographical delimitation ensures the product's link to the cultivation conditions and agricultural tradition of the area.
The registration application was submitted by the 'Garbanzo Campiña de Córdoba' Association on August 8, 2024. The regional administration validated the file, confirming its compliance with Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. The process advanced with its publication in the Official State Gazette (BOE) on October 23, 2025, with no objections filed during the established period. Since February 2026, the PDO has had transitional national protection.
The project began in 2019, significantly driven by the company Cortijo La Reina. Subsequently, a working group was formed, and in 2022, funding from the Regional Government of Andalusia, through European funds, enabled technical trials to accelerate the project.
Concurrently, the processing of the PGI 'Pescado de Esteros de Andalucía' is also progressing, also with transitional national protection. If approved, it would join other Andalusian quality labels such as the PGIs 'Caballa de Andalucía', 'Melva de Andalucía', 'Mojama de Barbate', 'Mojama de Isla Cristina', and the TSG 'Pulpo seco de Adra'.
The European recognition for 'Garbanzo Campiña de Córdoba' will not only protect its origin and characteristics but is also expected to improve its market positioning, generate greater added value for producers, and enhance the image of Andalusian legumes both nationally and internationally.
