Publication of an application for registration of a name pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2023/C 20/09)

This publication confers the right to oppose the application pursuant to Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) within three months from the date of this publication.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Melocotón de Cieza’

EU No: PGI-ES-02644 – 16.10.2020

PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1. Name(s)

‘Melocotón de Cieza’

2. Member State or Third Country

Spain

3. Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1. Type of product

Class 1.6. Fruit, vegetables and cereals, fresh or processed

3.2. Description of the product to which the name in (1) applies

Peaches of varieties:

— Baby Gold 6

— Romea

Baby Gold 6 variety

Colour

In peaches of the Baby Gold 6 variety grown in the area of influence of the PGI, the colour of the skin has a greater hue angle value (79,23 ± 0,62) than in comparable areas (72,02 ± 3,71). Similarly, the colour of the pulp has a greater saturation value (46,10 ± 0,27) than in peaches from other areas (42,34 ± 0,52). These differences produce a more yellow pulp with a more saturated shade of yellow.

Firmness

At the time of picking, the Baby Gold 6 variety has firmness values of (21,08* ± 0,68), some 7 % greater than the values in the comparable area (19,72 ± 1,23). This significantly increases the difference with comparable areas when the fruit is placed on the market, with values of (19,01 ± 0,64), some 16,34 % greater than the value in the comparable area (16,34 ± 0,89).

Size

Minimum size: A (Diameter: 67 – < 73 mm)

Maximum size: AAAA (Diameter: > 90 mm)

Romea variety

Colour

In peaches of the Romea variety grown in the area of influence of the PGI, the notably high hue values of the skin (78,21 ± 0,47) are 10 % greater than in other areas (70,98 ± 0,26). Similarly, the saturation value (56,13 ± 0,34) is 26,6 % greater than in other comparable areas (44,34 ± 1,02). These values produce a more yellow epidermis.

Firmness

The Romea variety has high firmness values when placed on the market, 14 days after picking. At (16,55 ± 0,88) the firmness values are 30 % greater than in other comparable areas (12,51 ± 0,69).

This firmness means that the peach from the area of influence of the PGI has a longer shelf life than peaches from the comparable area, owing to the climate and physical and chemical properties of the soil in the area. These are described in the section on the geographical link.

Size

Minimum size: A (Diameter: 67 – < 73 mm)

Maximum size: AAAA (Diameter: > 90 mm)

Organoleptic characteristics of both varieties

— Sweet intense flavour resulting from a good balance of sugars and overall acidity. Firm and juicy texture. Pleasant aroma, characteristic of peaches.

— Colour: Skin varying from light yellow to orange. The Romea variety may have a light orange or reddish blush where the skin has contact with the sun.

— Minimum firmness at harvest: 20 N.

— Shape: Rounded. Fruit of the Baby Gold 6 variety may have a characteristic slight bulge at the tip.

3.3. Feed (for products of animal origin only) and raw materials (for processed products only)

Not applicable.

3.4. Specific steps in production that must take place in the identified geographical area

All production stages take place in the demarcated geographical area.

1. Planting

2. Irrigation

3. Fertilisation

4. Pruning

5. Thinning 5.1. Blossom thinning 5.2. Fruit thinning

6. Harvesting

3.5. Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product the registered name refers to

Not applicable.

3.6. Specific rules concerning labelling of the product the registered name refers to

Peaches covered by the PGI must bear a numbered identification label which must include the PGI logo. The specific wording ‘Melocotón de Cieza’ is obligatory. The label must also identify the authorised control body acting as certification body for the product. The control body issues or assigns the labels in series with corresponding numbers, and always checks them. Labels must be attached at the packaging site in a way that prevents them from being reused.

4. Concise definition of the geographical area

The demarcated boundary of the ‘Melocotón de Cieza’ PGI is set as follows, including part of the municipalities of Cieza, Calasparra, Jumilla and Abarán:

— To the west: bordering the sites of Las Cañadas and Agua Amarga in the municipality of Cieza;

— To the south: bordering the sites of Rotas and El Macabeo in the municipality of Calasparra;

— To the east: bordering the site of Corona in the municipality of Abarán and the train station in Blanca;

— To the north: bordering the municipality of Jumilla at the site of El Boquerón.

5. Link with the geographical area

The application to register the ‘Melocotón de Cieza’ PGI is based on the characteristics and reputation of the product.

A scientific study attests to the special characteristics of the peaches grown in the area of influence of the ‘Melocotón de Cieza’ PGI, and therefore the link between the characteristics and quality of the product and its origin. The study was conducted by the Post-harvest and Refrigeration Group of the Department for Food Technology and Agricultural Equipment of the Advanced Technical School for Agronomy of the Polytechnic University of Cartagena. The title was: ‘Comparative post-harvest study of the Romea and Baby Gold 6 varieties for the purpose of gaining the Protected Geographical Indication “Melocotón de Cieza”’. Cartagena, July 2018. (https://melocotondecieza.com/estudio-upct/)

This boundary was set according to criteria concerning soil, climate and the areas to which the varieties covered by this PGI are better adapted. The added value of ‘Melocotón de Cieza’ is based on its specific characteristics which are largely due to the climate, soil and human factors specific to the area covered by the PGI.

Natural factors

The climate in the defined geographical area of production is a factor making the Baby Gold 6 and Romea varieties of the ‘Melocotón de Cieza’ a distinctive product. In winter, cold night-time temperatures range between -2 oC and 5 oC, while the hottest temperatures occur in May (33 oC), June (37 oC) and July (41 oC). The contrasting temperatures give these peach varieties a distinctive and characteristic size and colour.

The specific qualities of ‘Melocotón de Cieza’, in its Romea and Baby Gold 6 varieties are influenced by the extreme Mediterranean climate of the area, characterised by severe summer drought with the average annual rainfall scarcely reaching 300 mm. The rainfall is equinoctial, with October being the month with most rain. Furthermore, the relative proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and the low-lying position of the lands mean that the average annual temperature is the highest in the region of Murcia. These lands have the driest climate in the basin of the River Segura. All of these factors together mean that the specific characteristics of these varieties distinguish them from all other peaches of the same varieties produced in other areas. In addition, the special characteristics of the River Segura, which waters the fields of Cieza, are key in producing these distinctive properties. Specifically in terms of the organoleptic characteristics of both varieties, their concentration in soluble solids represents greater sweetness and firmness.

According to the report issued by the River Segura Basin Authority (Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura) (N/REF: IAMB-0015/2021) on the water quality in the section of the River Segura as it passes through the municipality of Cieza: ‘As it passes through the municipality of Cieza, the River Segura is classified as body of water “ESES0701010111 Río Segura” from the point of confluence with the River Quipar to the Azud de Ojós dam. In the final assessment and water management plan for the River Segura (Plan Hidrológico del Segura, PHDS), the overall status of this body of water is rated as “good”. The ecological status is ranked in five categories, from best to worst: very good, good, average, poor and very poor. The status in this case is “good”. There are two categories of chemical status: “good” and “good not achieved”. In this case, the status is “good”.’

Soil

A set of common factors in the soil in this production area makes it ideal for cultivating this stone-fruit. The main characteristics that make the soil unique in conjunction with the climate are: the clay-loam and clay texture, clay levels above 30 %, pH > 8,3, active lime > 20 %, and levels of organic matter between 1 % and 2 %. These physical and chemical properties, along with many other properties, determine the quality, firmness, shelf life and taste, in short, the unmistakable characteristics of a peach with geographical DNA.

There is no single physical, chemical or soil-related quality that determines the intrinsic characteristics of the ‘Melocotón de Cieza’. This fruit results from the harmonious blend of a multitude of factors. Those relating to the soil have a particular specific importance.

Production factor

A characteristic of the Cieza area, setting it apart from other areas, is that the thinning method for both blossom and fruit is entirely artisanal, blossom by blossom. This differs from other areas of Spain in which agricultural workers use thinning machines to remove the excess blossom from each branch.

Using the traditional method results in a better blossom selection, which means better quality fruit.

Historical factors and social reputation

With regard to the historical aspects, evidence exists of peaches in Cieza in the third century AD in the rock shelters of La Serreta and, at a later stage, in some of the dry wells of houses in Siyâsa, the fortified Andalusian settlement situated on the slopes of Monte del Castillo, abandoned during the thirteenth century. The remains of peach seeds have also been found, providing us with evidence of the agricultural practices in the orchards of Cieza at that time.

Looking back at the history of the inhabitants of Cieza in ancient times, all cultures were linked in some way to agriculture, with peaches playing a key role.

In the modern era, the industrial development of the area is linked to the significant peach production. The canning sector was one of the main drivers in the increase and expansion of peach cultivation throughout the Cieza area.

In Cieza, there are 8 448 hectares of cultivated land subject to irrigation. Of these, 5 861 hectares, some 70 %, are dedicated to peach trees (data from the Regional Centre for Statistics of Murcia (CREM)). These figures mean that Cieza is the municipality with the largest peach production in Europe, at over 180 million kilograms annually.

The product ‘Melocotón de Cieza’ has a crucial link with the social environment of the municipality as over 10 000 individuals make a living from activities basically related to this fruit. This means that the local, regional and national impact of everything related to the ‘Melocotón de Cieza’ is a reflection of the product’s reputation rooted in local culture. This can be seen in various celebrations associated with the ‘Melocotón de Cieza’, such as the ‘Melocotón de Cieza’ Conference and, dating back further to the 1980s, the ‘Fiesta del Melocotón’ peach festival. Other events include the national stone fruit conference. In addition, the ‘Floración de Cieza’ is a tourist activity with an international reputation directly related to the ‘Melocotón de Cieza’. The ‘Melocotón de Oro’ golden peach award is made annually to individuals or institutions for their outstanding work in promoting agricultural development in Cieza. The award recognises the importance of peaches in driving the economy of Cieza.

There are other signs of the reputation of this product rooted in the culture, and its local, regional and indeed international standing. Notable examples from gastronomy using ‘Melocotón de Cieza’ include Manjar de Cieza [Cieza biscuit] and the Christmas speciality Murciatone, along with other recipes such as peach granita and Trenza de ‘Melocotón de Cieza’ [‘Melocotón de Cieza’ pastry], as well as confectionery such as ‘Melocotón de Cieza’ cake.

There are also traditional games including ‘Melocotón Respondón’ [‘Cheeky Peach’] and literary references such as the book published in 2017 with the title The peach in the history of Cieza. The book is a collection of studies on the origins of agriculture, irrigated areas, cultivation of stone-fruit trees and the most widely-used varieties planted in the area since ancient times.

Furthermore, ‘Melocotón de Cieza’ is present at the world’s most important agricultural fairs such as Fruit Attraction and Fruit Logistic in Berlin. It was awarded the product prize in 2021 by the newspaper La Verdad.

Bibliography

El melocotón en la historia de Cieza. [The peach in the history of Cieza] Published by Asociación Cultural La Floración de Cieza. This book traces the relationship between the people of Cieza and the peach since time immemorial. The fact that a book has been published specifically on the subject of the ‘Melocotón de Cieza’ gives an idea of its importance.

The work is a compilation of studies on the origins of agriculture, irrigated areas, cultivation and the most representative varieties of peaches planted in the area since ancient times.

In addition, it covers all the activities and industries that grew up around peach-growing and which had a major socio-economic impact on Cieza. These include the preserve industry, export, literature, painting and cookery.

Reference to publication of the specification

Reference: PGI-ES-02644

Date: 16 October 2020

Link to the publication: https://cutt.ly/AT5SvJA

(1) OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.