Armenia’s PM: Don’t Call Our Cognac ‘Cognac’
Yerevan Wants Its Brandy Known by Its Own Name
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has called for an end to the use of the term “cognac” to describe Armenian brandy, arguing that it is a unique product that deserves its own distinct identity.
“Armenian cognac is not cognac,” Pashinyan said in a statement released by his office on Monday. “It is a unique product with its own history, traditions, and taste. We should call it by its own name, Armenian brandy.”
Pashinyan’s statement comes amid a long-running dispute between Armenia and France over the use of the term “cognac.” France has argued that cognac is a protected designation of origin, meaning that only brandy produced in the Cognac region of France can be called cognac.
Armenia, on the other hand, has argued that it has been producing brandy for centuries and that the term “cognac” has become a generic term for brandy in many parts of the world.
In 2004, the World Trade Organization ruled in favor of France, saying that only brandy produced in the Cognac region could be called cognac.
However, Armenia has continued to use the term “cognac” to describe its brandy, and Pashinyan’s statement suggests that the country is not willing to give up the fight.
“Armenian brandy is a national treasure,” Pashinyan said. “We will continue to produce it and we will continue to call it by its own name.”
The dispute over the use of the term “cognac” is just one example of the tensions between Armenia and France. The two countries have also clashed over the issue of the Armenian genocide, which France has recognized but Turkey denies.
Despite these tensions, Armenia and France have also maintained close economic and cultural ties. France is one of Armenia’s largest trading partners, and many Armenians have emigrated to France.
It remains to be seen whether Pashinyan’s statement will lead to any change in the way that Armenian brandy is labeled. However, it is clear that Armenia is determined to protect its own unique product.
