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Russian Vodka for the Russians
Soyuzplodoimport has proposed to Agriculture Minister Alexey Gordeev that a Russian Vodka Association be founded to monopolize the name “Russian vodka” in Europe. If the Agriculture Ministry receives permission from the European Commission to declare Russian vodka a product controlled by place of origin, Soyuzplodoimport’s old enemy, Yury Shefler’s SPI Group, might have to reposition its Stolichnaya on the market.
Soyuzplodoimport chief Vladimir Loginov told the agriculture minister in his letter that the name “Russian vodka” is associated throughout the world with “the national Russian alcoholic drink, which… has characteristics inextricably linked with the traditions and natural conditions of Russia,” in spite of the fact that much “Russian vodka” is not made in the Russian Federation. To put an end to this confusion, Loginov suggests that the name “Russian vodka” be protected in the European Union under EU directive 110/2008, which make it possible for non-EU members to protect national products controlled by place of production. Only a group of individuals can apply for that protection, however.
The term “real Russian vodka” is already controlled on the Russian market. A producer must be certified by the Agriculture Ministry to use it. Transparency, colorlessness and the use of Russian raw materials are among the criteria for its use. Then it can be registered with Rospatent. There are five such producers: Soyuzplodoimport, OOOKristall (part of Gross Alcohol Plants), OOO Russian Standard Vodka, ZAO OST Enterpeneurial Group and OAO Kristall Moscow Plant. Together they produce 8.5 deciliters per year, of 15 percent of all vodka in Russia. Representatives of those companies will meet at the Agriculture Ministry today to discuss the new association.
The establishment of a trade association may increase the number of producers that apply for to use the “Russian vodka” name, but Loginov has already stated his determination to retain its high criteria. The association would force SPI Group to prove that its Stolichnaya vodka sold in Europe and the United States was made in Russia.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of Oct. 14, 2008
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