Wine regions to be recognised

 New Zealand Winegrowers has welcomed the announcement that Government will implement the Geographical Indications Registration Act. 

Geographical indications identify wines as originating in a region or locality says Philip Gregan, chief executive of New Zealand Winegrowers.  The Act will set up a registration system for wine geographical indications, similar to the trademark registration system.

It will equip the wine industry with the tools to protect its premium brands from misappropriation or misuse, as well as help secure market access in some regions.
 
“It’s a big step forward for the industry,” Mr Gregan says.

Wine exports stand at $1.37 billion to the year January 2015, up 9 per cent, which Mr Gregan says has propelled wine to New Zealand’s sixth-biggest export ‘good’.

(Picture: Gimblett Gravels Winegrowing Area - Graham Hawkes).