Agri-food

Between Benicarló, Càlig, Peñíscola, and Vinaròs, more than 3.5 million artichokes have been marketed in recent years under the Benicarló Artichoke Protected Designation of Origin, which has more than 300 hectares of registered cultivation.

The commitment to quality also sets it apart from other well-known and well-established products from Castellón, such as the 39 varieties of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), most of which are organically produced and have been awarded prizes.

Several of the province’s cheeses are also highly rated and have penetrated the so-called ‘gourmet’ segment, where the province’s select truffles–especially the exclusive black truffle–and the local nougats and jams are also very popular. This productive network is characterised by the search for the highest quality as a way to gain a foothold in the most sought-after segments of the market. On the other hand, the wine sector in Castellón has been revitalised in recent decades with numerous wineries joining the more traditional cooperatives. For example, the Protected Geographical Indication, IGP-Castell, has been developing since 2003, comprising 16 certified wineries and a wide range of high-quality varieties.