The term ‘jam’ immediately evokes the Italian breakfast and the aromas of Mediterranean citrus fruits. However, behind this name lies an important regulatory evolution and a fundamental technical distinction for consumers and operators in the sector.
The etymology of the term ‘jam’ goes back to ‘quince’ (Cydonia oblonga), which the ancient Greeks already transformed into precious preserves with honey. Today, the citrus jam
is the symbol of Southern Italy and of a supply chain that enhances biodiversity:
- Apulia, Sicily and Calabria: chosen territories where pedoclimatic conditions enhance native cultivars and unique aromatic profiles;
- territorial excellences: from Sicilian Red Oranges PDO to Sorrento Lemons e Amalfi Coast PDO, up to Calabrian Bergamot;
- tradition and innovation: Italian jam production is distinguished, among other things, by the masterful use of peel, a treasure of essential oils and dietary fibers.
Jam and preserve: the evolution of legal terms
The distinction between jam and preserve is not only linguistic but legal. Historically, European legislation has reserved the name ‘jam’ exclusively for products obtained from citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, mandarins, grapefruits, citrons), defining ‘preserve’ preserves made with any other type of fruit.
The turning point of the ‘Breakfast Directive’
The new directive (EU) 2024/1438 (transposed in Italy with the Legislative Decree 30 December 2025, No. 207) marks a turning point for the sector, with operational news from June 14, 2026:
- citrus jam: the legal denomination is confirmed for products obtained from citrus fruits (minimum 200g of citrus, of which at least 75g of endocarp, per 1,000g of product);
- legal denomination: EU Member States can now authorize the use of the term ‘marmalade’ also to designate jams made from fruits other than citrus, respecting composition requirements;
- origin: by June 2027, the European Commission will present a report ‘containing an assessment of the feasibility of different labeling possibilities indicating the country or countries of origin where the fruit or fruits used to manufacture jams, jellies and citrus marmalades and chestnut cream have been harvested. This report will be accompanied, if applicable, by a legislative proposal‘.
Jams on GIFT
In this category, we explore the universe of Italian preserves through:
- regulatory analysis: constant updates on EU and national rules;
- product review: focus on supply chains, quality and sustainability;
- food culture: from historic citrus preserves to modern gourmet compotes, we tell the story of Made in Italy excellence that unites history, innovation and health.
- Council Directive 2001/113/EC of 20 December 2001 relating to fruit jams, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut purée intended for human consumption. Consolidated text: 18/11/2013 http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2001/113/2013-11-18
- Legislative Decree 30 December 2025, n. 207. Implementation of Directive (EU) 2024/1438 of the European Parliament and of the Council. https://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/id/2026/01/05/26G00001/sg
- Directive (EU) 2024/1438 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 amending Council Directives 2001/110/EC relating to honey, 2001/112/EC relating to fruit juices and certain similar products intended for human consumption, 2001/113/EC relating to fruit jams, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut purée intended for human consumption, and 2001/114/EC relating to certain partly or wholly dehydrated preserved milk for human consumption. http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1438/oj
