This article was featured in Eurofish Magazine 4 2025.
Mejillón de Galicia or Mussels from Galicia is the official protected designation of origin (PDO) for mussels cultivated in Spain’s north-western coastal region. The PDO serves as both a certification of origin and a guarantee of superior quality, ensuring that all mussels -carrying the label are produced, processed, and packaged in Galicia according to strict standards. This European-certified body represents around 50 companies and approximately 1,000 -producers, operating over 2,000 registered mussel rafts in the Galician rías. In total, Galicia produces an average of 200,000 tonnes of mussels annually, making it the leading mussel-producing region in Europe. Mussels under the PDO label are sold in a variety of formats, including fresh, frozen, cooked, marinated, and canned, with over 500 different commercial products on the market.
The association plays a key role at trade events like Seafood Expo Global, promoting its certified producers and their products to buyers and partners. Its aim is not just to protect the geographic name but to preserve the -artisanal -methods, -traceability, and -ecological conditions unique to -Galician mussel farming. However, like many aquaculture sectors, production has faced challenges from environmental changes. In 2023, output declined significantly due to a shortage of the phytoplankton mussels rely on for food. This was attributed to a lack of strong northern winds, which usually bring nutrient-rich waters from the Atlantic into the estuaries. But in 2024 wind conditions improved and production recovered. Seasonality also affects the market. Fresh PDO-certified mussels are typically available from July through February, when the meat -quality meets the -label’s high standards. -Other -processed formats are available year-round. Exports, particularly of canned and frozen products, reach markets around the world—including high-profile destinations like the United States, where products certified by the PDO have even featured in meals served to former President Obama. While Chilean mussels are sometimes imported to Spain during local shortages, Galician mussels remain the preferred choice for their distinctive quality and regional -heritage. Through strict certification and active promotion, the PDO continues to uphold Galicia’s reputation as a world leader in mussel production.