Singapore’s Ban on Australian Prosecco Marks a Contentious Shift in Wine Trade Dynamics
SINGAPORE – In a landmark decision that has rippled through the global wine industry, Singapore’s Court of Appeals sided with the Italian Prosecco Consortium in November 2023, effectively barring Australian ‘Prosecco’ from its market. This ruling, marking a pivotal moment for Geographical Indications (GIs) in trade law, has raised concerns among Australian winemakers about the future of their exports and the international naming rights of wine varietals.
The heart of the dispute lies in the definition of ‘Prosecco’. Traditionally made in Italy from the Glera grape, Prosecco has become a beloved sparkling wine worldwide. However, Australian vintners, utilizing the same grape varietal, have also labeled their sparkling wines as Prosecco, leading to a four-year legal tussle that concluded with Singapore recognizing Prosecco as a GI exclusive to Italy.
This comes as a blow, especially considering the significant investment in branding and market development for Australian Prosecco, which, although primarily consumed domestically, has been inching towards broader international recognition.
The Singapore ruling mirrors a global trend towards stricter GI enforcement, as seen in New Zealand’s adherence to the NZ-EU trade deal, which also affects Australian Prosecco. Conversely, the United States’ refusal to recognize Prosecco as a GI in 2019 indicates the complexity and variability of international trade laws regarding wine labeling.
The conversation around GIs, trade, and the true identity of wine varietals continues to evolve, reflecting the nuanced and deeply rooted cultural significance of wine production and consumption across the globe.
