Polish Vodka to be protected in China

China and the EU will sign a deal aimed to protect production and trademarks of 200 geographical indications, 100 from each side. The deal is expected to be signed later this year, but both sides released the list of products that will be covered by it. The EU side of the list includes Polish Vodka, along with Feta, Manchego, Gorgonzola cheeses, and Chapmagne. Chinese side includes, Hengxian Mo Li Hua Cha (Hengxian jasmine tea), Panjin Da Mi (Panjin rice) and Baise Mang Guo (Baise Mango). The publication opens the process for protecting the listed products against imitations and usurpations and is expected to result in reciprocal trade benefits and increased consumers' awareness and demand for high-quality products on both sides. “Our EU geographical indication products are a real success story, with growing global sales worldwide. Consumers all around the world trust in our Geographical Indication classification system – this means that they trust the origin and quality of the products, and are willing to pay a higher price for the products, thus a higher premium for the farmer. Working closely with our global trading partners such as China is a win: it benefits our farmer and agri-businesses; it develops stronger trading relationships between like-minded operators; and of course, it benefits consumers on both sides of the agreement,” European Commissioner for agriculture, Phil Hogan. Interested parties now have two months to comment on the products selected by both parties and, if necessary, raise any concerns with either the EU or Chinese authorities. Geographical indications include over 3,300 EU names, and 1,250 others protected throughout the EU thanks to bilateral agreements. The market for EU geographical indications is around €54.3 billion, and together they account for 15 percent of total EU food and drinks exports.