Geographical Indications

GREECE

Greeks toast European Union ruling that ouzo belongs to them

Greece has won the right to call its trademark anise-flavored aperitif ouzo as an exclusively Greek product after negotiations with the European Union. The country's Agriculture Ministry said several alcoholic drinks made from grapes or raisins, including ouzo, had been granted geographical protection by the EU. The minister succeeded after difficult negotiations to register the Greek drinks of ouzo, tsipouro and tsikoudia as geographically protected. Tsipouro and tsikoudia, are also strong, clear spirits made in Greece. Greece has also reportedly granted fellow EU member Cyprus the right to make ouzo when it joined in 2004. Cyprus is divided along ethnic lines since 1974 and its Greek-Cypriot government is the only one recognized internationally.

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