Armenia has been negotiating with EU on preserving the right of the Armenian producers to use the term "cognac" instead of "brandy", Armenia's Deputy Economy Minister, Garegin Melkonyan, told journalists today before the beginning of the regular round of talks on the creation of the Armenia-EU Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA).
He informed that the term "cognac" is protected by European law and is registered as a geographical designation. The Armenian party has informed the European colleagues that "cognac" is perceived in Armenia as a type of product. Discussions on this matter are also held with the private sector. "There have been discussions about cognac [that is, brandy]; the matter is on the agenda. I hope to find a solution, with the European party, which will not cause harm to Armenia's local producers, and there would not be sudden and drastic decisions," Melkonyan said. He also added that the same applies to
the term "champagne", as well, but champagne does not have as much sensitiveness and dimension for Armenia's economy as cognac does.
When asked by ArmInfo about the use of the term "cognac," President of the Association and Managing Director of Yerevan Brandy Company Ara Grigoryan said: "I don't think that we will face this problem in the coming five-ten years though one day this may become a possibility. Indeed, there are international regulations saying that we have no right to produce 'cognac' as this drink is legally owned by France. Cognac is made from specific grapes from a specific region and is distilled at a specific time. So, it cannot be Armenian or Moldovan - this is a violation of the existing laws. That's why on our labels we write "Haykakan konyak" in Armenian, "Armyanskiy konyak" in Russian and "Armenian brandy" in English. One day we will have to find some alternative name for this drink," Grigoryan said, adding that he is against the use of the term "brandy" as brandy has a lower value than cognac.