Simojärven muikku gains EU protected designation

Simojärven muikku has become Finland’s 19th product to receive EU protected designation of origin status, Yle reports.

The small, silvery fish from Lake Simojärvi is distinguished by its orange-red roe, a result of its harsh habitat, unlike the typically yellow roe of other vendace.

Local fishery entrepreneur Petri Manninen, who applied for the protection, said the process took nearly five years. “It’s been a lot of work, but now it’s done. This day has been long awaited. Simojärvi is now permanently on the world map.”

With the designation secured, Manninen expects demand to rise and plans to begin year-round fishing. Current catches are 6–12 tonnes in winter and 2–5 tonnes in summer, though he estimates the lake could sustain 50–60 tonnes annually. “This lake is severely underfished.”

The EU’s protected designation system prevents misuse of the product name, deters counterfeiting, and aids marketing while guaranteeing authenticity of origin and production method for consumers.