The Regulatory Board of the Protected Designation of Origin Ribera del Xúquer issued a press statement reminding that they are the only ones authorised to make use of the Persimon® brand, both in the Spanish and the international market. Additionally, they inform about scenarios in which consumers may be subject to fraud.
Persimon® is the brand registered by the PDO's Regulatory Board. Kakis bearing this label are the only ones whose origin and quality are certified.
The special characteristics of the Bright Red kaki variety were determining for the creation of the Regulatory Board in the year 1998, which was granted with the PDO by the European Union in the year 2001.
The Regulatory Board has significantly contributed to the promotion of kakis in Ribera del Xúquer and their domestic and international expansion. Their popularity in the various markets has kept increasing as a result of promotional campaigns.
Each kaki Persimon® box has a back label with the logo of the Regulatory Board and European PDO, as well as a control number that guarantees the product's traceability. It is very important to note that if no such label is found, the kakis are not Persimon®.
Some of the situations consumers may encounter when dealing with kakis of the Bright Red variety include:
- Soft fruit of the Bright Red variety in which astringency has not been eliminated. This fruit will usually be ripe, with red tones, soft flesh and a very sweet flavour. It is commercially known as Kaki Classic.
- Hard fruit of the Bright Red variety, without astringency, which could come from any place. In Spain, the main producers are the Region of Valencia and Andalusia.
- Hard fruit of the Bright Red Variety, with a firm consistency and no astringency. These are grown in Ribera del Xúquer and are certified by the Regulatory Board of the PDO. Only these can be marketed under the Persimon® brand. If it is not certified, it is not Kaki Persimon®.