Two Greek PDO olive oils receive protection in India

Two Greek extra virgin olive oils with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) certifications from the European Union, Sitia Lasithiou Kritis and Kalamata, have been granted protected status in India after being recognized as geographical indications (GI) by the government. The resolution was published in the Journal of Geographical Indications of the Intellectual Property Organization of India on October 31st. Kalamata PDO olive oil is produced in the Messinia region in southwestern Peloponnese mainly from olives of the Koroneiki or the Mastoeidis variety (also known as Athinolia or Tsounati). Sitia Lasithiou Kritis PDO is extra virgin olive oil produced in the province of Sitia in eastern Crete exclusively from Koroneiki olives. The two Greek olive oils are now protected from imitations and misuse of their names in the vast Indian market, while GI recognition can also serve as an important marketing tool. The approval of the two olive oils as GIs in the South Asian country, which ...