The Dutch brand seeks to remove the Mexican tequila of the European designation of origin

A Dutch company wants the European Union withdraw in Mexico the recognition of the origin of the Aztec drink by tradition because it represents an obstacle for the brand called Dutch tequila ( 'Tequila Dutch ") will be available on the market in May.

Richard Witteveen, executive director of the Dutch company Eureka B.V., owner of the brand, badured that the word tequila is unfairly protected by name of origin since its use is generic as "beer", so he considers that it should be withdraw recognition Geographical Indication communicated by the European Commission on 20 March.

Recognition means that the denomination of origin of the drink is protected in all member countries of the European Union by the regulation of the EU 110/2008 which: puts it at the level of European drinks, which until now had only Guatemalan rum and Peruvian pisco.

"Our company is currently preparing a request for cancellation (tequila recognition) for the European Commission. the word & # 39; Tequila & # 39; removed from the list of geographical indicationswrote Witteveen in an email sent to journalist Marco Appel, correspondent of the magazine Process in Brussels.

"Logically, the use of the word" Tequila "represents exactly the same case as the use of the word" Beer "in the aforementioned context, hence the fact that we are Make sure you win a lawsuit. In addition, more and more companies from different countries wish to join us in this process. It's only a matter of time before the & # 39; Tequila & # 39; be removed from the list geographical indications, "he said.

The businessman said that his "tequila", which will not indicate where he will buy the agave for his preparation, will taste gin, a degree of alcohol of 38 degrees and, although he not yet produced, there is a prototype of the brand bottle and Witteveen says that it will go on sale in May with a tentative name until the controversy is resolved.

The recognition of the origin of the drink means that the mark can not be used in drinks that are not produced in the geographical area including the denomination.