Wednesday, 18 January 2023 07:55

Geographical indications open up opportunities

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

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

Pāmu farm opens gate to urban visitors

For many urban New Zealanders, stepping into Pāmu’s Pinta dairy farm near Taupo last month was the first time they had had the chance to experience farm life up close.

National

Machinery & Products

Alpego eyes electric power harrow

Distributed by OriginAg in New Zealand, Italian manufacturer Alpego recently showed its three metre Alysium electric power harrow at the…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Dodgy!

OPINION: If you believe Maori Party president John Tamihere’s claim that “nothing dodgy” occurred at Manurewa Marae during the last…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter