What do Champagne, Halloumi and Parma ham all have in common? They’re not just delicious — they’re protected. Andrea Zappalaglio helps us unpack the world of geographical indications (GIs), the EU’s unique way of safeguarding products that are deeply tied to a specific place, tradition, and know-how.

We unpack what GIs are, why they exist, who decides what makes the cut, and what happens when a dispute bubbles up (yes, even over bubbly). We discuss whether GIs help local communities thrive or if they limit competition. Are they powerful tools in trade negotiations, or barriers to entry? And what happens when climate change or new technology shakes up centuries-old traditions?

If you’ve ever wondered why names matter — and how a simple label can carry history, pride, and billions of euros — this episode uncorks the secrets behind the EU’s most flavorful rules.

Guest: Andrea Zappalaglio, Associate Professor in Intellectual Property Law at the University of Leeds.

Hosts and producers: Victor Aguilar & Alexander Roth.

Research and communication support: Lisa Vallese and Martina Domladovac.

Further reading

• Geographical indications and quality schemes explained (European Commission)





• How the war on terroir was won – Part 1 (Euractiv)





• Study on the Functioning of the EU GI System (Max Planck Institute for Innovation and Competition)





• Europe’s traditional food scheme becomes a global tourism goldmine (Euractiv)





• The Future of Geographical Indications (Edward Elgar Publishing)

Listen

… to a few of our previous episodes:

• “Can the EU regulate AI intelligently? (with Nicolas Moës, The Future Society)”





• “Explaining the EU: one meme at a time (with DG MEME)”





• “Can the EU have an army?”





• “How to land a job in the EU?”

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