User:Alexandros78/Chios Mastic Growers Association

The Chios Masticha Growers Association (shortened CMGA) is a second-level agricultural co-operative that represents the 20 first-level co-operatives of Mastic from the 24 Mastic Villages (Mastichochoria), responsible for the complete production of Mastic. It is the only administrator of Chios mastic worldwide, and has more than 4.500 members.

Among the main activities of the association, is the scientific research for the development and protection of mastic trees, as well as for the management of mastic-related brands such as ELMA and mastihashop.

Products
The key products and derivatives of Mastic traded by the cooperative are:


 * Chios Mastic
 * Mastic Oil
 * Mastic Gum
 * Mastic Powder
 * Food supplements

Awards and Distinctions
Chios Mastic, Chios mastic oil, and Chios chewing gum, by EU decision, in 1997 were designated as "PDO Products", while in 2019 mastic and its derivatives were recognized as PDO in China. In 2014, the cultivation of mastic was included in the list of intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO, while since 2015, the European Medicines Agency has registered Chios mastic as a traditional herbal medicine. CMGA has received important distinctions for the ELMA chewing gum and for its effective organization and operation as a Cooperative Organization.