Pirkanmaa Potato Flatbread Earns EU Protection

Tamperelainen reports that Aitoo perunarieska (branded as Aitoo potato flatbread) from Pirkanmaa has gained EU protection under the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) scheme. The application was filed by the Aitoo Rieskaleipurit cooperative — formed by Penttilän tila and the Ilona gluten-free bakery. The European Commission granted the PGI following an assessment by the Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto), making this the 17th Finnish product to receive PGI protection. The PGI designation protects the product’s identity and link to its geographical origin rather than a trademark. Yle noted other Finnish protected products such as Lapin poron liha and kalakukko. Producers say the product is made using locally sourced ingredients and traditional methods: the recipe uses no water, yeast, eggs or dairy, contains a higher proportion of potatoes by weight than similar breads, and around one-third of the dough’s weight is lost as moisture during baking. The cooperative expects the EU protection to raise visibility and demand among hotels and restaurants; the Ilona gluten-free bakery is involved in production.