Kilkenny’s Big Phil protects iconic Irish products from Chinese rip-offs
Ireland’s Commissioner to the EU, Kilkenny’s Phil Hogan, has signed off on his first big trade deal – protecting Irish Whiskey and Irish Cream in one of the world’s largest markets.
The recently appointed EU Trade Commissioner has just put pen to paper on a bilateral agreement between Europe and China, which protects 100 European products from imitation in China, and 100 Chinese products from imitation in Europe.
The EU list of Geographical Indication (GI) products to be protected in China includes Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream, Cava, Champagne, Feta, Münchener Bier, Ouzo, Polska Wódka, Porto, Prosciutto di Parma and Queso Manchego.
Among the Chinese products included are Pixian Bean Paste, Anji White Tea, Panjin rice and Anqiu Ginger.
Commissioner Phil Hogan said: “European geographical indication products are renowned across the world for their quality. Consumers are willing to pay a higher price, trusting the origin and authenticity of these products, while further rewarding farmers.
“This agreement shows our commitment to working closely with our global trading partners such as China. It is a win for both parties, strengthening our trading relationship, benefitting our agricultural and food sectors, and consumers on both sides.”
EU agri-food exports to China reached €12.8 billion in the 12 months between September 2018 and August 2019 and accounts for 9% of agri-food exports from the EU.
