Project launched to establish Armenian brandy’s geographical indication

PanARMENIAN.Net - A European Union (EU)-funded program, "Technical Assistance for the Establishment of a Geographical Indication for ‘Armenian Brandy’", has officially launched in Yerevan. The initiative aims to secure international recognition and protection for Armenian brandy.

The project is funded by the EU and implemented by Expertise France in collaboration with DMI Associates. It aligns with the commitments outlined in the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Armenia and the EU, Armenpress reports.

The initiative seeks to establish Armenian brandy as a geographical indication, ensuring its traditional reputation, brand recognition, and quality control.

The launch event gathered government officials, industry experts, producers, and international partners to discuss the project’s key objectives and expected outcomes.

This initiative will facilitate discussions on global best practices in geographical indication protection and promotion while fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders.

The project’s main beneficiaries include Armenia’s Ministry of Economy, the Intellectual Property Office, and the Vine and Wine Foundation of Armenia. The program has a budget of €2.845 million.

Armenia’s Deputy Minister of Economy, Liliya Sirekanyan, stated that the initiative is critical for the development of one of Armenia’s most significant production sectors.

"Armenian brandy is more than just a product for Armenia; it symbolizes our historical and cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and economic strength. For decades, Armenian brandy has enjoyed global recognition and high esteem in international markets. Today, its production plays a key role in our agriculture and exports, creating thousands of jobs throughout the supply chain—from grape growers to producers and exporters.

To maintain and enhance Armenia’s competitive position in the global market, we must ensure the recognition and protection of Armenian brandy within the internationally recognized geographical indication system," the deputy minister said.

Sirekanyan emphasized that this initiative will preserve the authenticity of Armenian brandy and create new economic opportunities for producers and the viticulture sector.

"One of the key elements in maintaining Armenian brandy’s integrity is ensuring the complete documentation of grape production and cultivation. By accurately recording grape data, we can guarantee that only specific grape varieties grown in designated regions under special conditions are used in Armenian brandy production. The viticulture register will serve as the foundation for quality assurance, improvement, and consumer confidence at an international level," she noted.

The deputy minister also highlighted that Armenia will develop the legal, technical, and institutional framework necessary to ensure compliance with international standards.

"This will not only protect Armenian brandy from misuse and misrepresentation but will also enhance its global value and reputation. It is essential to recognize that this initiative is not just about improving the legal framework; it is about transforming all aspects of production, including consumer engagement.

We are closely collaborating with international partners, including the EU delegation. The teams from Armenia and the EU are fully committed to ensuring the project's success. We all share the same goal—to secure broad recognition and competitiveness for Armenian brandy in global markets," Sirekanyan added.

She stressed that achieving the project's objectives requires a long-term process, careful management, and collaboration among all stakeholders.

"We will continue advancing with technical recommendations, even though establishing a geographical indication for Armenian brandy is not merely a technical step but a strategic decision that will shape the future of one of our most valuable industries. We hope that the project’s implementation will lay the groundwork for a stronger, more competitive, and internationally respected Armenian brandy," the deputy minister concluded.