PGI, excellence and know-how: the conference organised by LES Italia

LES Italia, together with the School of Design of the Politecnico di Milano, with the support of EY and the participation of Dr Simona Marzetti of MIMIT–UIBM, organised a conference in Milan entitled ‘Italian products of excellence and the protection of geographical indications for non-food artisanal and industrial products’. The aim was to illustrate the new European legislation (Regulation 2023/2411) which, from December 2025, will extend GI protection to artisanal and industrial products. This historic step, the result of thirty years of negotiations, opens up new prospects for 92 Italian products already identified as potentially eligible for protection.

The discussions touched on three major themes: regulatory protection (with procedures, requirements and controls), the value of ‘know-how’ as a heritage to be protected and made attractive to new generations, and finally, future challenges related to the complexity of legislation, the scarcity of funds and the need to raise awareness among producers and consumers. The common thread? The idea that the real antagonist is not technology, but ignorance: the loss of awareness of the link between territory, identity and quality.

Among the speakers was Matteo Pasca, director of Arsutoria School, who recalled how excellence arises when creativity and technique find harmony. His reflection underlined a key concept: “Even with the most advanced machines, hands remain essential”. Craftsmanship is what distinguishes Made in Italy and allows it to be exported, as demonstrated by the school’s international training activities.

An event that did not merely celebrate Italian excellence but laid the foundations for a future in which legal protection and cultural enhancement go hand in hand, defending and relaunching Italian and regional productive identity.