October 2004 management briefing

For the drinks industry, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has always been something of a mixed blessing. To be sure, its goal of cutting restrictive import quotas, reducing tariffs and harmonising consumer health rules have generally been welcomed, but the slightly shabby truth is that the drinks industry has always been protected to some degree. In Europe especially, with its complex appellation systems and regulations on oenological practices, support for simple free trade in drinks is far from universal. Take advantage of this opportunity to discover more about framework agreement, geographical indications on wines and spirits, the existing agreements, and where the Doha round goes from here.

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