A new protected designation of origin has been granted to “Ostkustströmming”, a Baltic herring product from Sweden’s east coast. The designation covers herring caught in a defined area from Kristianopel in the south to Öregrund in the north.
The application was submitted by the Stockholm County Fishermen’s Association. The group represents commercial fishers in the Stockholm archipelago and nearby coastal waters.
Strict Catch and Handling Rules
To be sold as Ostkustströmming, the fish must be caught using approved gear, such as nets, hooks, traps, or trawls, with specific mesh sizes. The fish must also be landed and sorted within 24 hours after capture.
The product can be sold whole, filleted, salted, pickled or dried. Smoked versions will be marketed as “Böckling av Ostkustströmming”.
Swedish Government Backs Local Seafood Labels
Sweden’s Rural Affairs Minister, Peter Kullgren, said the new label would strengthen local food production and make product origin clearer for consumers.
Martin Ragnar, who assisted with the application, said protected labels help consumers identify products with a verified geographic origin and support local economies.
More Swedish Seafood Products Gain EU Protection
Protected designations are used across the EU to highlight foods linked to a specific region and production tradition. Earlier this year, “Norrlandsströmming” also received protected status for herring from the Gulf of Bothnia.
Other Swedish seafood products with protected designation status include Kalix vendace roe, Bohuslän mussels and Grebbestad oysters.