PRESSRELEASE
Gränna 2022-06-21

Genuine Gränna Polka pigs get a protected designation of origin

The European Commission has decided to protect Äkta Gränna Polkagrisar through the EU quality scheme for protected designations of origin. The product is thus registered with a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for this unique product that has been made in Gränna since 1859.

”I am so very proud that we have finally received this label that ensures the quality of a historic product manufactured in Gränna. The production of Äkta Gränna Polkagrisar in Gränna is a cultural heritage of a unique product. When you buy a genuine candy cane, you should know that it is made by hand with the right ingredients in the old tradition. This geographical origin labeling ensures the quality of this historic product, which is only produced in Gränna,” says Catrin Kvist, local project manager at Gränna Närlingslivsförening.

An internationally renowned label for the food enthusiast

Gränna is one of Sweden’s biggest tourist destinations and most Swedes know where the real candy cane is made. For the conscious European, this label of origin is well known and a guarantee of a unique product well worth experiencing on site in Gränna.

”It’s fantastic that a decision has been taken at European level to label the origin of this unique product. The label is not as well known in Sweden as it is at the European level and we of course hope that this will further strengthen Gränna as a destination for tourists interested in food and solid craftsmanship of quality from all over the world”, says Bo Segersson, Chairman of Gränna Näringslivsförening.

Äkta Gränna Polkagrisar – a historic and unique product

For a product to be protected by the EU as a ’Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)’, it must have a clear geographical origin.

Amalia Eriksson in Gränna started manufacturing the polka-dotted pig as early as 1859, having received approval from the Gränna magistrate on January 10, 1859 to start manufacturing and selling this product. Today, 163 years later, there are 13 active candy cane producers in Gränna making the product according to the original recipe and traditional craftsmanship.

Äkta Gränna Polkagrisar is made from sugar, water and vinegar boiled into a sugar mass. Next, Hotchkiss peppermint oil from America is added and then the color is added.

”This is really a recognition for all of us who produce this origin-labeled product in Gränna according to old traditions”, concludes Catrin Kvist.

The Polkagris group in Gränna Närlingslivsförening started working on an application already in 2017 to get the name Äkta Gränna Polkagrisar protected by the EU quality system at the Swedish Food Agency. After the application was submitted, an inspector from the Finnish Food Authority came to inspect and ensure the baking process. Now five years later, Äkta Gränna Polkagrisar has finally received this unique label along with only a few other products in Sweden.

Press contact:

Catrin Kvist
Project manager and polka-dot ice cream maker in Gränna
catrin@polkaprinsen.se
+46 (0) 720 88 69 89

Bo Segersson
Chairman Gränna Business Association
ordfrorande@grannanaringsliv.se
+46 (0) 703 39 65 65