The Appellation of Origin is the term used to describe products which are produced, processed and prepared in a given geographical area with recognized expertise.
The Controlled Appellation of Origin (AOC) is a French term and describes products for which all steps of the production process are carried out in accordance with recognized expertise in a specific geographical area that gives the product its essential characteristics.
The Protected Appellation of Origin (AOP) is the European equivalent of AOC and protects product names throughout the European Union.
Source : alimentation.gouv.fr, Commission européenne