Wine Quality Improvement Based on the Perception of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI): Evidence from Bulgaria

In recent years, there has been a trend towards more in-depth study of the factors that affect the willingness of wine manufacturers to use quality labels such as protected designation of origin (PDO) and protected geographical indication (PGI). Key issues such as the influence of climate on wine production, authenticity of wine quality, and technological innovations in wine production are subjects of research for PDO indication. The possibility of classifying the chemical composition of wines and the use of PGI as a harmonized strategy for lower production costs and increased consumer interest are the other areas of research. This study aims to test the above-mentioned groups of factors and their ability to improve the quality of wine production in Bulgaria as well as to analyse the existing practices of assessment for Bulgarian wine producers. The study involves wine producers and experts from the National Viticulture Agency, and their perceptions will be analysed through the fuzzy AHP approach.