EU sign deal with China on product origin labelling
The European Union has signed an accord with China to protect products which have a specific geographical origin in a bid to curb counterfeits.
The EU said 100 products from the EU and 100 from China will be protected under the deal.
Among the EU products with specific geographical origin that will be protected in China include Cava, Champagne, Feta, Irish whiskey, Münchener Bier, Ouzo, Polska Wódka, Porto, Prosciutto di Parma and Queso Manchego.
The Chinese products included in the deal feature Pixian Dou Ban (Pixian Bean Paste), Anji Bai Cha (Anji White Tea), Panjin Da Mi (Panjin rice) and Anqiu Da Jiang (Anqiu Ginger).
The EU is China’s largest trade partner, while the Chinese market is the second biggest for exports from the bloc after the US.
EU agri-food exports to China reached €12.8 billion in the 12-month period between September 2018 and August 2019, with 9% made up of products with geographical indications.
The EU said that the Chinese market is a high-growth potential market for European food and drinks, with a growing middle class with a taste for iconic, high-quality and genuine European products. It also has a well-established geographical indication system of its own, with specialties that European consumers could now further discover thanks to this agreement.
Agriculture and rural development Commissioner Phil 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, benefitting our agricultural and food sectors, and consumers on both sides.”
ARTindividual