What is PGI Status?
The pasty industry is very important to the Cornish economy. The largest manufacturing sector, pasty-makers generate approximately £300 million of trade per annum and employ over 2,000 people. Many of these jobs are year-round, full time, permanent positions. There are strong links between pasty production and local suppliers of the ingredients too – as much as £15m is paid to Cornish farmers for ingredients for pasties, equivalent to over 5% of the total farmgate value of Cornwall’s farm produce.
Pasties are sold in virtually every village and high street in the county and therefore support and uphold the local shops that are often the hub of communities and a lifeline for those without transport. Many bakers shops say their existence depends on the pasty. Pasty producers also sustain other local service industries such as engineering and transport. The PGI therefore protects consumers in enabling them to distinguish a genuine Cornish pasty, whilst helping to ensure the sustainability of a vital Cornish industry.
Source: https://cornishpastyassociation.co.uk/about-the-pasty/what-is-pgi/