Disputed balsamic vinegar among latest GI names to secure protection

Commission Regulation 583/2009 of 3 July 2009 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications [Aceto Balsamico di Modena (PGI) caused some concern before the product in question, an Italian balsamic vinegar, obtained PGI status. As the preamble to the Regulation indicates:

"Germany, Greece and France submitted objections to the registration under Article 7(1) of Regulation ... 510/2006. These objections were deemed admissible under points (a) to (d) of the first subparagraph of Article 7(3) of that Regulation.

Germany’s objection referred in particular to the concern that the registration of ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ as a protected geographical indication would adversely affect other products that have been placed lawfully on the market for at least five years and sold as Balsamessig/Aceto balsamico, as well as to the alleged generic character of these terms. Germany also pointed to the lack of clarity regarding the stages of production which must take place in the area of origin.

France’s objection concerned the fact that ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ does not have its own reputation that is distinct from that of ‘Aceto balsamico tradizionale di Modena’, which has already been registered as a protected designation of origin under Council Regulation (EC) No 813/2000. France claims that consumers could be misled as to the nature and origin of the product in question.

Greece stressed the importance of balsamic vinegar production in Greece, which is marketed under names such as ‘balsamico’ or ‘balsamon’ and the negative impact that registration of the name ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ would have on these products, which have been placed lawfully on the market for at least five years. Greece also maintains that the terms ‘aceto balsamico’, ‘balsamic’, etc. are generic. ...

The Commission has requested the opinion of the scientific committee for designations of origin, geographical indications and certificates of specific character established under Decision 93/53/EC as to whether the conditions for registration were met. The committee stated in its unanimous opinion submitted on 6 March 2006 that the name ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ has an undeniable reputation on the national and international market, as demonstrated by its frequent use in numerous recipes in many Member States, and the many references to it on the Internet, in the press and other media. ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ therefore meets the inherent condition for the product having a specific reputation linked to that name.

The committee noted the fact that these products have co-existed on the market for hundreds of years. It also noted that ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ and ‘Aceto balsamico tradizionale di Modena’ are different as regards their characteristics, customer base, usage, method of distribution, presentation and price, thereby
ensuring the fair treatment of the producers in question and not misleading consumers. The Commission fully concurs with these points".

Commission Regulation 566/2009 of 29 June 2009 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Melton Mowbray Pork Pie (PGI)) now confers PGI status on the popular British pork pie of that name.

Commission Regulation 567/2009 of 29 June 2009 entering a name in the register of traditional specialities guaranteed (Pierekaczewnik (TSG))now confers protection to the term Pierekaczewnik under Class 2.3. Confectionery, bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and other baker’s wares from Poland.