Melton Mowbray pies win exclusive food status

Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association (MMPPA) chairman, Matthew O'Callaghan, displays the company's pork pies in this undated handout photo.

LONDON (Reuters) - One of Britain's most traditional foods has won exclusive protected status from the European Union, campaigners announced on Friday.

After a 10-year battle, the Melton Mowbray pork pie has been registered for protected geographical status under the European Protected Names Scheme.

The EU's approval gives the pie the same status as France's Champagne, Italy's Parma ham and Mortadella Bologna as well as another local food -- the Stilton Cheese.

"I am absolutely delighted, it has been a long road," Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association (MMPPA) chairman, Matthew O'Callaghan told Reuters just after the decision was announced.

"We have spent more than 10 years battling for this.

"It is absolutely brilliant."

The approval, subject to any protest by October from other countries except the UK -- which he said was highly unlikely -- means the pies' production is now restricted to an area of 1,800 square miles of Leicestershire.

He said it also safeguarded local jobs.

O'Callaghan, a local councillor, said campaigners for the pork-stuffed pastry had battled to stop other rivals cashing in on its name. Rivals, he said, had been using generic products and charging higher prices.

It joins almost three dozen British products on the protected list including Arbroath Smokies, Cornish Clotted Cream and Welsh Lamb.

Another 40 products are awaiting similar approval.

The pies originated from Melton Mowbray as a portable snack for hungry labourers and are defined by their bulging walls and greyish uncured pork fillings.

They were later adopted by hunting aristocrats.

(Editing by Stephen Addison)