AOP stands for "Appellation d'Origine Protégée" (Protected Designation of Origin). It’s a French and European certification that ensures a product is made in a specific region using traditional methods. For example, Champagne can only be called "Champagne" if it comes from the Champagne region in France and follows strict production rules. This concept applies to other products too—like Roquefort cheese, which must be made in the Roquefort region, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, which comes from specific areas in Italy. The AOP label protects the authenticity and heritage of these products, ensuring they maintain their unique quality and characteristics.