The D.O.P. seal (on the right) certifies authenticity of a product; more specifically, certifies the authenticity of the product being entirely produced in a specific geographic area. The seal is confirmation that, in the case of extra virgin olive oils, for example, olives have grown, been pressed, and bottled in a small, very specific area that yields olive oil with a distinct character.

While the D.O.P. seal certifies authenticity and geographic origins, it does not necessarily guarantee top quality.  In fact, quality can actually range quite considerably among D.O.P. certified products. 
Academia Barilla therefore takes on the task of selecting only the absolute best among the D.O.P. certified oils, seeking out products that have superb flavor and faithfully represent the distinct characteristics of a region.

On the crust of Academia Barilla's authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano D.O.P. you should find impressed the words "Parmigiano-Reggiano".  These should be clearly visible even on smaller wedges.  If the marking has been cancelled or branded over with X signs, the product does not meet the consortium standards and cannot be called or sold as Parmigiano-Reggiano.  Academia Barilla only selects the finest made authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano, that has been D.O.P. certified.

In the case of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena D.O.P., the box, the bottle, and the labeling of the product all certify this products authenticity.  The consortium has standardized them all, and only producers that have met all consortium criteria are allowed to use them.  This is why Academia Barilla's Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena D.O.P. is among only the best.

The crown-shaped seal that is imprinted on each Prosciutto di Parma D.O.P. leg indicates that this specific product has met, satisfies the consortium's criteria for flavor, aroma, and texture, and therefore is truly authentic.  Each and every Academia Barilla leg of Prosciutto di Parma D.O.P. has been specifically selected for only the best in all of the categories specific to certification: flavor, aroma, and texture.

Click here to visit the Academia Barilla Online Store for D.O.P. certified Italian products.