EU-China trade deal protects Irish whiskey

The European Union and China have signed a trade agreement to protect geographical indications for products such as Irish whiskey and Cognac.

The European Union (EU) and China concluded its negotiations on the deal in November 2019. It is expected to come into force from the start of 2021.

The reciprocal agreement will protect 100 European geographical indications (GIs) and 100 Chinese GIs in the EU.

The European GIs that will be protected include Irish whiskey, Irish cream liqueurs, brandy de Jerez, Armagnac, Calvados, Cognac, grappa, Lithuanian vodka, Polish vodka, Swedish vodka, Finnish vodka, Scotch whisky, genever and ouzo.

The China GI list includes baijius such as Kweichow Moutai Chiew and Wu Liang Ye.

Within four years after the deal has been implemented, the extent of the agreement will expand to cover an additional 175 GIs from both nations.

Agriculture and rural development commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski said: “I am proud to see this agreement getting one step closer to its entry into force, reflecting our commitment to work closely with our global trading partners such as China.

“European geographical indication products are renowned for their quality and diversity, it is important to protect them at an EU and global level to ensure their authenticity and preserve their reputation.

“This agreement will contribute to do this, while also strengthening our trading relationship, benefitting our agri-food sector and consumers on both sides.”