NZ exports to EU surge by $3b under free trade deal, says Government
New Zealand exports to the European Union have surged by $3 billion in two years under the New Zealand-European Union Free Trade Agreement.
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."
