The European Union and China have reached a deal that protects regional food products, known as geographical indications (GI) in both territories.
The deal protects a list of 100 EU delicacies in China such as Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey, French and Italian wine, German beer, Greek feta cheese, Spanish cava and Italian parma ham or mozzarella and parmigiano cheese.
The protection system means that names of these regional products can only be used for food or drink from a particular region or country. So “Scotch whisky” can only be applied to whisky of a particular type from Scotland.
The new deal is a trade coup for Europe as U.S., Australian or New Zealand producers will no longer be able to use the protected names on their exports to China.
There is, however, a transition period for feta, Asiago and Pecorino Romano cheeses, and it would not cancel existing Chinese trademarks.
Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner and incoming Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan, travelled to Beijing to sign the agreement.
Hogan said: “European Geographical Indication products are renowned across the world for their quality. Consumers are willing to pay a higher price, trusting the origin and authenticity of these products, while further rewarding farmers.
This agreement shows our commitment to working closely with our global trading partners such as China. It is a win for both parties, strengthening our trading relationship, benefiting our agricultural and food sectors, and consumers on both sides.”
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