Greek authorities and local dairy industries are preparing for another legal battle as a Chilean company registered an imitation of feta and is now using the name of Greece's most popular cheese unlicensed.
According to local outlet Kathimerini, the trademark “Athenos Feta” was registered in Chile, but the cheese itself is produced in Wisconsin in the US and not Greece or even Chile.
This is the newest case of non-Greek feta becoming known to the local authorities after the name “Valbreso Feta,” the French imitation produced by dairy giant Lactalis, was also revealed by Kathimerini.
The first phase of opposing the Chilean company began 10 days ago with an objection submitted to Chile’s Intellectual Property Organisation.
It is recalled there is a bilateral agreement between the European Union and the Latin American country, in which the production of feta cheese is protected by its geographical indication.
The illegal use of the name “feta” is not the only thing in common between “Athenos Feta” and “Valbreso Feta,” as in 2020 Athenos, then owned by Kraft Heinz, was acquired by Lactalis. It was then sold in 2021 to the Swiss firm Emmi.
Greek authorities are also considering appealing to the European Court.
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