Marketing

Japan recognises GI protection for Poitín

Irish Poitín’s Geographical Indication status has now been recognised in the Japanese market in a move that offers Irish producers improved protection and the potential to grow exports to the world’s third-largest economy with a nominal Gross Domestic Product of $5.6 trillion. 

 

Irish Poitín’s GI status has now been recognised in the Japanese market, the world’s third-largest economy with a nominal Gross Domestic Product of $5.6 trillion. 

Irish Poitín’s GI status has now been recognised in the Japanese market, the world’s third-largest economy with a nominal Gross Domestic Product of $5.6 trillion.

The recognition stems from the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement which came into force in February 2019. Each side offered 28 additional GIs protection as from last month to mark the second anniversary of the bilateral trade agreement.

Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream Liqueur and Irish Poitín already have protected EU GI status. This means that they can only be legally produced on the island of Ireland in line with an approved technical file.

This protects them against counterfeit or misleading products in key export markets.

“Exports of Ireland’s GI spirits have grown significantly in recent years,” pointed out Vincent McGovern, Head of Drinks Ireland|Spirits, “Between 2018 and 2019 they grew by 5.95%, from 18.5 million nine-litre cases to 19.6 million nine-litre cases. Since 2014, exports of Ireland’s three protected spirits increased by 34.2%.

“This growth has been driven by Irish whiskey and Irish cream liqueur but Irish Poitín producers also aim to deliver growth in the coming years, in many cases taking advantage of the unique benefits of having GI status.

“In Japan there has been growth in the premium spirits category in recent years. While premium gin and whisk(e)y have been the main benefactors to date, this growth offers greater opportunities for Irish producers generally. Irish cream liqueur and Irish whiskey are already protected in the Japanese market and we welcome news that Irish Poitín’s GI status is now also recognised.”

 

 


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