As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, the Conseil des appellations réservées et des termes valorisants (CARTV) is launching the first edition of the Gardien de l’authenticité Award.
This award recognizes the commitment of a producer or artisan whose outstanding and inspiring contribution helps raise the profile of Québec reserved designations1 and added-value claims.
To support and encourage promotional efforts, a prize of $2,500 will be awarded to the winner.
Purpose of the Award
By establishing the Gardien de l’authenticité Award, the CARTV aims to increase the visibility and profile of reserved designations among Quebecers.
Only greater recognition of reserved designations will enable consumers to confidently identify and choose the distinctive products that contribute to Québec’s rich heritage.
Producers and artisans are the primary ambassadors for reserved designations. By highlighting their approach, expertise and the distinctive features of their production, they help consumers recognize the unique value of products bearing a reserved designation.
Through its Gardien de l’authenticité Award, the CARTV seeks to recognize a producer or artisan who contributes every day to raising the profile of products bearing a reserved designation. This distinction acknowledges the efforts devoted to promoting these products and the quality of the information provided to consumers. It also recognizes initiatives that increase awareness of reserved designations and educate the public about the guarantees of authenticity, traceability and quality that characterize them.
Eligible Applicants
The award is open exclusively to producers and artisans whose products bear a Québec reserved designation.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on the quality and scope of the actions undertaken to raise the profile of the reserved designation associated with the product or products.
- Display and visibility of the reserved designation on the product or products.
- Promotion of the reserved designation at the point of sale through clear, comprehensive and visible information; the quality of the explanations provided to customers; and the visual materials, interpretive tools or on-site guidance offered.
- Publication on the company’s website of information about the reserved designation, its logo, the know-how it recognizes, the certification requirements and the associated guarantees of authenticity.
- Use of social media to inform consumers about the reserved designation, its distinctive features and the added value it represents for certified products and the public.
- Participation in awareness-building and outreach activities that promote reserved designations, including media appearances, interviews, conferences, workshops, collaborations or partnerships.
- Organization of events or additional initiatives aimed at promoting reserved designations.
How to Apply
Eligible producers and artisans are invited to complete the application form by clicking the following link: Form – Gardien de l’authenticité Award
Application Period
Applications may be submitted from September 16 to November 16, 2026, inclusively. The deadline is midnight.
Information
If you have any questions about the Gardien de l’authenticité Award or submitting an application, please contact the responsible team at: administration@cartv.gouv.qc.ca.
1 For readability, we will use only the term ‘reserved designations’, which also encompasses added-value claims.