The fight for PISCO and its authenticity

The fight for PISCO and its authenticity

The Peruvian Institute for the Defense of Competition and Protection of Intellectual Property (INDECOPI) seized more than 7000 bottles filled with liquor that exhibited the denomination of origin (DO) ‘Pisco’ without having such authorization.  The goods were seized at a customs warehouse in a Peruvian Port Terminal. Local authority INDECOPI can prosecute cases of DO misuse.

Pisco can be defined as a colorless or yellowish-to-amber colored grape brandy produced in wine making regions of Chile and Peru. Pisco was developed by Spanish settlers in the 16th century as an alternative to “orujo”, a pomace brandy (liquor distilled from pomace that is left over from winemaking after the grapes are pressed) that was being imported from Spain.

In 2013, the annual production reached around 100 million liters in Chile and 7,2 million liters in Peru.

Chile and Peru has disputed the DO Pisco for many years. One of the main differences between the spirit is the alcohol content. Still there is no unanimous decision regarding who to recognized the DO to: Peru or Chile.
In 2011 INDECOPI awarded the National Association of Producers of Pisco (CONAPISCO), the authorization to operate as the Regulator of the Denomination of origin. The Regulatory Council guides, monitors and control the production and processing of Pisco. Moreover, if a manufacturer would like to use a DO, needs to be authorized by the Directorate of Distinctive Signs at INDECOPI.

Sources:

http://www.indecopi.gob.pe

http://www.conapisco.org.pe