Armenia bans use of term ‘cognac’ for its brandy

Yerevan moves to protect its national drink from foreign competition

Yerevan has banned the use of the term "cognac" to describe brandy produced in Armenia, in a move to protect its national drink from foreign competition.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a decree on Tuesday, August 2, prohibiting the use of the term "cognac" on labels, packaging, and advertising materials for brandy produced in Armenia.

The decree also prohibits the use of any other terms that could be confused with "cognac", such as "brandy de cognac" or "cognac-style brandy".

The history of Armenian cognac

Brandy production has a long history in Armenia, dating back to the 19th century.

The first Armenian brandy factory was founded in 1887 by Nerses Tairyants, a wealthy Armenian merchant.

Tairyants' brandy quickly became popular in Russia, and by the early 20th century, Armenian brandy was being exported to countries all over the world.

The Cognac region of France

The term "cognac" is protected by law in the Cognac region of France.

Only brandy produced in the Cognac region can be labeled as "cognac".

This has led to disputes between Armenia and France over the use of the term "cognac".

The Armenian brandy industry today

The Armenian brandy industry is a major part of the country's economy.

There are over 30 brandy factories in Armenia, and they produce over 20 million liters of brandy each year.

Armenian brandy is exported to over 50 countries around the world.

The ban on the term "cognac"

The ban on the term "cognac" is a controversial move.

Some argue that it is necessary to protect the Armenian brandy industry from foreign competition.

Others argue that it is a violation of free trade principles.

The future of Armenian brandy

The ban on the term "cognac" is likely to have a significant impact on the Armenian brandy industry.

It is too early to say what the long-term effects will be, but it is clear that the Armenian brandy industry is facing a new challenge.