New Rules On Geographical Indications Will Protect Spirits Industry, Says spiritsEUROPE

The Belgium-based group, which represents the spirits industry at European level, comprising 31 associations and 11 international companies, congratulated the European Council and European Parliament for striking a deal to implement the new rules, which it added will also support sustainability initiatives in producer communities.

The EU’s spirits industry boasts more than 25 GIs, while GI spirits make up two thirds of spirits exports from the bloc, indicating that the Geographical Indications system is of ‘fundamental importance’ for Europe’s spirits sector, spiritsEUROPE said.

The group added that GIs help to protect longstanding traditions, guarantee ‘high production and quality standards;, and bolster ‘social, economic and environmental sustainability’.

The revised document also touches upon crucial topics such as the prospective roles of GI producer groups, both within and beyond the EU. Additionally, it underscores the safeguarding of GI spirits when incorporated into food products and within the rapidly growing online landscape, amid heightened e-commerce and digital sales.

ESM