Traditional food: definitions and nuances

Traditional Food Products represent an important element of culture, identity, and heritage and are characterized by both historical and geographical dimensions. The increasing attention shown in the past 25 years by academics, politicians and food system actors, and their recognition through Geographical Indications, stems from their implications on the economic, juridical, political and social grounds. This introductory chapter addresses definitions and nuances of Traditional Food Products with reference to the three main rationales behind legal recognition and protection of origin products. By drawing on available literature, and addressing the interests of actors across the food system, we emphasize a set of critical issues in relation to the supply of credible information to consumers, the remuneration of farmers and processors and the provision of public goods and rural development.