The sheep sector in the Mediterranean basin is described as well as the productive factors affecting lamb carcass and meat quality. The actual situation of the Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs) in the Spanish market of lamb meat is analysed. Results of a comparative study on carcass quality of the four Spanish lamb types with PDO are presented. Which type of lamb do Spanish consumers prefer? An attempt to answer this question is made through two consumer trials where 22 lamb types produced in Europe, including the 4 Spanish products with PDO, are compared. Spanish consumers tend to prefer what they know from previous experiences and what is produced in a way similar to the traditional one.