Ouzo and tsipouro receive ‘GI’ status from European Commission

The European Commission has approved the geographical indication (GI) for ouzo and tsipouro.

This distinction makes the famous and popular alcoholic beverages officially Greek for the first time ever.

A ‘geographical indication’, or ‘GI’ identifies a product as originating in a specific region where a particular quality, reputation or other characteristic of the product is essentially attributable to that geographic origin.

“Our products ouzo and tsipouro are now becoming even stronger in the international markets,” said Nikos Kalogiannis, president of the Association of Greek Producers of Spirits and Alcoholic Beverages (SEAOP).

“They will be able to enjoy protection in the parties in Lisbon International Agreement, just as they are protected in the EU. They gain a significant bargaining chip in EU talks with third countries for bilateral recognition of GIs,” he added.

*More on GCT: Do’s and Don’ts of drinking Ouzo