Wednesday, 18 January 2023 07:55

Geographical indications open up opportunities

Written by Peter Burke

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Obermaier says an example of geographical indications opening up opportunities for New Zealand lies in Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

While there was much protest about the EU's insistence in preserving geographical indications for some of its products, especially cheese, EU ambassador to New Zealand Nina Obermaier insists that this protocol opens up opportunities for NZ.

She points to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc as an example, which has a very high recognition in Europe.

She says this is due in part to backpackers who have come to NZ and tasted this wine and want to buy it back in their home country.

Obermaier says the insistence on geographical indications can be linked to the overall food culture that exists in Europe, which is not so strong in NZ.

She says for many people in Europe, food is a part of their cultural heritage.

"It depends on which country you are in," she explains. "Some have a much stronger tradition than others, but in general it is something that is cherished as part of cultural life."

More like this

Who's the glutton?

OPINION: We are told there is a wine glut - production outstripping demand worldwide - and the words 'wine lakes' are being thrown around.

From the CEO: A changing trade environment

Did you know that nearly 90% of total New Zealand wine sales occur offshore? That simple number means our wine businesses are the most export oriented of all the global wine industries. It also makes our sector especially sensitive to any changes in the trade rules that govern the access of our wines into international markets.

Benefits of EU trade deal

The European Union Ambassador says the new free trade agreement (FTA) between the bloc and New Zealand will bring significant benefits to both parties.

Cheesemakers may need new cheese names under FTA

The owner of an award-winning cheese producer says the Government’s free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) has proven disappointing for the sector.

Crazy

OPINION: Your canine crusader was truly impressed by the almost unanimous support given by politicians of all stripes in Parliament to the recent passing of legislation for the NZ/EU free trade deal.

Featured

Farmlands half-year results 'show strong progress'

Farmlands says that improved half-year results show that the co-op’s tight focus on supporting New Zealand’s farmers and growers is working.

Fruit fly discovery 'concerning'

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says that discovery of a male Oriental fruit fly on Auckland’s North Shore is a cause for concern for growers.

Fonterra updates earnings

Fonterra says its earnings for the 2025 financial year are anticipated to be in the upper half of its previously forecast earnings range of 40-60 cents per share.