Press Release 4/12/2024: Opportunities and Challenges for Greek PDO Products through CETA

On the occasion of a visit to Greece by a group of experts, a seminar was held yesterday at the Embassy of Canada on the implementation of CETA regarding geographical indications carried by products such as specific wines, spirits, agricultural or food products, based on their region or country of origin. Typical examples include feta cheese, wine, champagne, prosciutto, etc.

The President of the Panhellenic Exporters Association (PSE), Mr. Alkiviadis Kalampokis, was invited by the Ambassador of Canada, H.E. Anna-Karine Asselin, and attended this particularly interesting seminar. During the detailed briefing provided by the specialists, the opportunities arising for Greece’s PDO and PGI products were highlighted. Following the implementation of CETA, Greece ranks 6th among the 27 EU countries in terms of export growth to Canada. Significant concerns were raised regarding the course of feta exports and the protection of the name, given the specific Canadian market complexities with products bearing the same designation already circulating there.

During the seminar, the President met with the Deputy Head of Unit USA and Canada at the European Commission, Ms. Pauline Weinzierl, and they discussed extensively the progress of CETA from its implementation to date.

The meeting also covered the opportunities available in Canada for Greek exporting companies in the dairy sector, as well as the challenges they face during the export process in the Canadian market.

The atmosphere of the meeting was positive, and a constructive dialogue took place regarding CETA, its evolution, the results achieved so far concerning the export of Greek products, and the existing objections to its application.