Wine industry welcomes registration system for wine regions
Introduction of a Bill by Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Paul Goldsmith enabling geographical indications (GIs)
for wines and spirits to be registered in New Zealand has been warmly welcomed by New Zealand Winegrowers.
“The Geographical Indications (Wine and Spirits) Registration Amendment Bill will be a significant advance for the New
Zealand wine industry,” said New Zealand Winegrowers CEO, Philip Gregan. “Our ‘Geographical Indications’ - the names and
places where our wines come from - are at the very heart of the New Zealand wine story and this Bill provides an
additional level of protection for them.”
“The registration system established by the Bill will be world class, providing a solid platform for New Zealand wine
producers to promote our wines and regions in international markets. We would like to thank the government for making
this commitment to the long term future success and growth of the New Zealand wine industry.”
New Zealand Winegrowers will work closely with members and regional organisations to prepare and file registration
applications. Applications will need to define regions as well as a quality, reputation, or other characteristic that is
attributable to that place.
New Zealand wine exports are valued at $1.47 billion for the year to the end of September 2015. The industry is working
towards a goal of $2 billion of exports in 2020.
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