900 domestic pumpkin seed producers and 20 oil pressers formed the "Steirisches Kürbiskernöl g.g.A." (Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil. P.G.I.) collective of producers in 1998, which is now the "Gemeinschaft Steirisches Kürbiskernöl g.g.A." with over 3100 members, including 40 oil mills. The implementation of the origin protection of Styrian pumpkin seed oil through this producer's collective means the origin of each Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil P.G.I. can be followed from the harvest to the pressing and finally the sales of the oil. Each step along the way is documented and can be audited at any time.

Every excise stamp (banderole) has an individual control number, which ensures you receive the best quality, original Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil P.G.I. Make note of the excise stamp, found on the bottle top or label, when buying Styrian pumpkin seed oil.

What if there is no excise stamp on a bottle of Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil?
Styrian pumpkin seed oil found in bottles without an excise stamp, available in many super markets, should still carry the blue and yellow EU logo on their label. Otherwise, the Styrian pumpkin seed oil has not been subject to the EU protected designation of origin requirements. This means that the origin of these pumpkin seed oils is not traceable, as is possible with oils bearing the Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil P.G.I. excise stamp.

In order to ensure the high quality of Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil P.G.I., a stringent system of controls are in place that comprehensively monitor the domestic pumpkin seeds on their way from the field to the oil press and once in the bottle on to the shops' shelves. Our system of controls depends on the internal controls of each producer in combination with external controls, performed by the producers collective as well as by an accredited external organization. The excise stamp, on the bottle top or label, and the presence of an individual control number makes the authenticity of each bottle of Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil P.G.I. visible to consumers. This way each product can be easily traced from the pumpkin to the pressing location.