The essence of the Serra de Tramuntana

Consuming products with the Serra de Tramuntana Distinctive allows you to promote traditional and sustainable activities that preserve the cultural landscape, declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 2011.

The survival of the Serra de Tramuntana depends, to a large extent, on the agricultural operations that with effort maintain the landscape that has been created over the years and that, in 2011, was recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage.

90 kilometres long and located in the northern western part of Mallorca, the Serra de Tramuntana - as stated in the declaration - is an exceptional example of a Mediterranean agricultural landscape, witness to the coexistence between man and the natural environment for centuries, which each civilization has been transforming to make it more habitable. Its complicated landscape adds difficulty to obtaining the fruits. Today, the Serra de Tramuntana preserves an immense set of terraces built with dry stone walls and complex hydraulic systems of Islamic origin, as well as a large network of cobbled paths.

To keep the primary sector that takes care of this heritage alive, it is essential that its products can be sold at competitive prices in the market, despite the adverse conditions in which it works. For all these reasons, with the double objective of boosting the local economy and supporting producers, guarantors of the cultural landscape, the Consorci Serra de Tramuntana – an entity that depends on the Consell de Mallorca – created the Distintivo Serra de Tramuntana.

Products with the Serra de Tramuntana Distinction are connected to the World Heritage landscape

In this way, only products that are produced within the limits of the World Heritage Declaration, or that are made with raw materials from this delimitation, can display the Serra de Tramuntana Distinction on their packaging . And this translates into a guarantee for the consumer; the guarantee that your purchase has generated a positive impact on the territory from all points of view: environmental, economic, social and cultural. These are products that maintain the heritage of a way of doing things, respectful of the environment and based on the effort, dedication and wisdom of centuries of experience.

Products with the Serra de Tramuntana Distinctive

There is a wide range of products from the Serra de Tramuntana that already carry the Distinction, from the prestigious and traditional oils, olives and citrus fruits, to new crops such as avocados, through all types of vegetables, sausages and processed meat and milk.
In total, there are 35 products that are marketed by more than 500 farmers, ranchers and agro-food processors who have certified the origin and sustainability of their production.
The olive trees are the treasure of the Serra de Tramuntana. The olives harvested with effort, from terraces that are difficult to access, are marketed, with different dressings, with the Serra de Tramuntana Distinction. The oil extracted from local oil mills, marketed by the Cooperativa de Sóller, Son Moragues and Somage SL, also has the Distinctive recognition.

Consuming products with the appellation of origin is the best way to support the key actor in the protection of the landscape: the primary sector

The Sóller Cooperative brings together up to 350 small producers and also sells, under the Distintivo brand, oranges, lemons, jams, fresh fruit and vegetables. Son Moragues, located in Valldemossa, is a country estate with 500 years of history, with olive groves, orchards and forests that it sells with the Distintivo, in addition to oil and olives, jams, vegetables, fruit, eggs, pork and sheep meat and sobrasada, for its part, is the company that produces Son Matge brand extra virgin olive oil , in another estate, also in Valldemossa.
Beyond olive trees, other products are produced in the Serra de Tramuntana. The Cooperativa Payesa de Pollença, made up of 250 farmers and ranchers, markets lamb and suckling pig with the Serra de Tramuntana Distinctive.

One of the first companies to adhere to the Geographical Indication is Formatges Tramuntana , which markets artisanal and organic cheeses produced exclusively with the milk of the goats that graze on the Plana farm, at the beginning of the old Lluc road from Pollença. They offer yoghurt and three types of cheese, soft, fresh and with carob aroma, under the name 'Sa Cabreta'. Their project was one of those selected by the FAO to be exhibited as a sustainable example at the annual conference of this organization, in September 2023 in Rome.

The seal values ​​everything that is produced in the Serra and follows sustainable criteria and protection of identity and culture.

The vineyards have also been recovering in the Serra de Tramuntana, after the phylloxera plague was overcome at the end of the 19th century, and thanks to the stubbornness and effort of small producers. Now, the vineyards grown on the terraces make up the landscape of the Serra. One of the most emblematic wineries is located between Pollença and Lluc, 400 meters high. This is Viñas Mortitx , which has worn the Serra de Tramuntana Distinctive since its launch for the different wines it produces.

From the Son Cocó fountain , in the municipality of Alaró, Font Sorda mineral water is bottled , also with the Serra de Tramuntana Distinctive. The Jabón de Mallorca
company , from Sóller, handcrafts essential food oils of rosemary, lavender, orange and lemon through steam distillation. These products, and also their wide range of natural soaps, carry the Serra de Tramuntana Distinctive.

Expanding upon the distinctive efforts by the Consorci Serra de Tramuntana to recognise and elevate the unique offerings of its region, it becomes clear that this initiative transcends mere geographical labelling. By extending the Serra de Tramuntana Distinction to encompass non-food items, such as the Teixits Vicens language fabric and the 'Viu sa Serra' diary, there is a broader, more inclusive approach towards celebrating the essence of this picturesque area.

The aim for 2024 to broaden the scope of products and services eligible for this distinction reflects a visionary approach towards regional development. By including possessions, historical sites, hotels, restaurants, and businesses that showcase a commitment to local produce and craftsmanship in their offerings, the Consorci Serra de Tramuntana is setting a commendable precedent. This strategy not only fosters a sustainable and locally-focused economy but also reinforces the intrinsic connection between the region’s cultural heritage and its contemporary expressions of creativity and hospitality.

This holistic approach towards regional branding and sustainability is a testament to the power of geographical indications and appellations of origin. Beyond protecting the uniqueness of local products, these designations can serve as catalysts for regional development, tourism, and cultural preservation. By leveraging the distinct identity and heritage of the Serra de Tramuntana, the initiative aims to create a ripple effect that benefits local producers, craftspeople, and service providers, thereby enhancing the region's appeal to visitors and connoisseurs alike.

As we look towards the future, it is evident that the work of the Consorci Serra de Tramuntana is not just about safeguarding traditions or promoting tourism; it is about weaving the rich tapestry of local identity, sustainability, and community into the fabric of everyday life. In doing so, it invites us to rethink our relationship with the places we live in and visit, encouraging a deeper engagement with the local cultures, products, and landscapes that define them.

In closing, the expansion of the Serra de Tramuntana Distinction serves as a beacon of inspiration for regions worldwide. It illustrates the potential of geographical indications to foster a sense of place, pride, and prosperity, paving the way for a future where sustainability, culture, and local enterprise flourish hand in hand.