Italy and France Join Forces To Fight Counterfeit Food Items

Italy and France have teamed up to protect and promote products with protected designation of origin and geographical indication in the EU and third countries.

The commitment stems from the so-called ‘Quirinale Treaty’ signed on 26 November 2021 in Rome by the presidents of Italy and France, Mario Draghi and Emmanuel Macron, which dedicates a specific section to agriculture and food production.

The intention is to combat counterfeiting of Italian and French food excellences that mislead consumers and have a negative impact on the economies of both countries.

According to Italian farmers lobby group Coldiretti, international agro-piracy affects symbolic Italian products, from Parmesan cheese to Prosecco, provolone cheese to pecorino romano, and salami to mortadella. It also impacts French products, such as Champagne, Beaujolais, Bordeaux, Cognac and, among cheese, brie and camembert.

ESM