Vodka war

Vodka war refers to heated discussions within the European Union about the definition of which hard liquors may or may not be branded as "vodka".[1][2][3] The war was triggered by the actions of Diageo, who began marketing their Cîroc beverage as a vodka uniquely produced exclusively from grapes.[4]

The countries of the EU "Vodka Belt" argue that only spirits made exclusively from cereals, potatoes and sugar beet molasses may be branded vodka. Other distillers insist on a broader definition. The Schnellhardt compromise, proposed by Horst Schnellhardt, suggests that vodkas made from items other than cereals, potatoes and molasses should say "Vodka produced from..." on the label.[1]

On February 20, 2006 Poland put a demand to restrict the definition of Vodka within EU, and the move was supported by the vodka belt countries and Germany"[5] This demand was triggered by a 2005 European Commission proposal to split vodka category into several subcategories basing on the flavor and raw materials.

If the "Vodka Belt" prevails, it will significantly influence the global $12 billion annual[3] vodka market. In particular, some drinks presently marketed as vodka will have to be re-branded.

The issue goes beyond the EU: opinions are expressed that the United States, fastest-growing vodka producer, if its non-traditional vodkas are expelled from the EU, it may retaliate in the World Trade Organization.[3]

Arguments for restricted definition

Arguments for broad definition

Schnellhardt compromise

The compromise was adopted by the EU's Environment Committee on January 30, 2007. Since then it was negotiated with the agriculture ministers, and further compromises have been proposed, e.g., the initial requirement of prominent print size was suggested to be dropped.[7]

On June 19, 2007 The European Parliament voted for the compromise. In late August the position of the WTO is expected to be known, and the EU agriculture ministers will debate and vote on the issue in September.[4]

Poland sees the EU's decision as "wódka war lost". Polish MEP Ryszard Czarnecki said "Would the French like champagne to be distilled from plums, and would the British accept whisky from apricots? That sounds like heresy. So please don't be surprised that we are refusing to recognise vodka made from waste."[8] Polish vodka producers are going to fight back by forming the Polish Vodka Association, with the purpose of launching a public relations campaign abroad against the expected flood of cheap, poor quality vodkas. While the strong Polish brands, such as Wyborowa or Zubrowka, feel safe, the smaller producers are threatened by the competition against cheaper products.[9]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Vodka war: "MEPs serve up a compromise cocktail", a Europarliament news article
  2. ↑ "EU Farm Chief Warns of Legal Action in Vodka Row", a 25 October 2006 Reuters article
  3. 1 2 3 "A spirited war: The search for the real vodka", International Herald Tribune, November 23, 2006
  4. 1 2 "End in Sight to EU 'Vodka War' as Label Deal Struck", June 16, 2007 source: Reuters
  5. ↑ ""Vodka War", a March 6, 2006 article, ref. Brusdsels journal
  6. 1 2 "Vodka war splits EU"
  7. ↑ "Vodka war may soon be at an end", a June 22, 2007 Europarliament news article
  8. ↑ "Wodka War Lost", June 27, 2007, The Warsaw Voice
  9. ↑ "Poland Fights Back in Vodka War", August 8, 2007, The Warsaw Voice
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