Problems in exporting the Kalamata variety of olives

25.2.2015

Question for written answer E-002829-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Georgios Epitideios (NI)

The Kalamata olive variety is a prime example of a product that is immediately sold on the international market, with demand outstripping supply. Market trends are promising and encouraging for producers and entrepreneurs exporting this olive variety, especially in the Prefectures Aitoloakarnania, Lakonia and Fthiotida, where the bulk of production is concentrated.

Despite all this, exporters of the Kalamata olive variety are facing difficulties in their commercial activities in some European countries, due to the problems created by the confusion of the PDO name (Elia Kalamatas or Kalamata Olives) and the commercial name (also Kalamata Olives), resulting in the imposition of fines, the withdrawal of products from the market and the capture of market shares by rival countries.

The Greek State has a duty to protect Greek exporters and the Ministry of Rural Development and Food must take measures to resolve the problems arising from the confusion of the PDO name and commercial name.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

What will it do to prevail upon the Greek Government to settle this problem and to ensure the smooth marketing of this product, whose production is subsidised by the EU, under its commercial name in the supposedly free market of the European Union?