NZ winemakers consider GI protection but commentators identify significant challenges

Recent reports indicate that New Zealand winemakers are seeking GI protection for their labels. As wine consumption grows in emerging markets such as China and Russia, domestic producers are increasingly concerned about potential knock-offs being passed off as premium labels. However, while the wine industry considers using GI status as a way of fending off counterfeiters, a number of commentators have expressed scepticism over its practical benefits.