Canary Islands papaya sector seeks Protected Geographical Indication

The horticultural sector in the Canary Islands is pursuing a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for Canary Islands papaya. This initiative follows the successful PGI recognition for Canary Islands avocado in 2025 and a pending application for Canary Islands tomatoes.

Papaya production in the region has seen significant growth, rising from 19,613.1 tons in 2021 to 34,220.7 tons in 2024, representing an increase of over 74%. During this same period, the cultivated area expanded by 31.2% to reach 421 hectares. The Canary Islands government noted that demand is also rising, with companies selling the fruit in mainland Spain and other European markets.

Narvay Quintero, the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Food Sovereignty, stated that the PGI could serve as an instrument to support cultivation growth and help distinguish the product for distributors and consumers. Francisco José Echandi Domínguez, president of Tropicán, expressed hope that the sector could obtain official recognition before the end of 2027, noting that buyers are increasingly requesting such quality certifications.