Fonterra Co-operative Group, New Zealand’s largest dairy producer, wins a legal case in Singapore, allowing the continued use of the term “Parmesan” on its cheese products.
In a significant legal ruling in Singapore, New Zealand’s Fonterra Co-operative Group, the country’s largest dairy producer, has won a case involving the use of the term “Parmesan” in cheese labeling. The decision overturns a prior ruling that tied Parmesan exclusively to the Italian geographical indication (GI) for Parmigiano Reggiano, a protected term linked to specific regions in Italy.
Fonterra, headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, is a leading global dairy company and a major exporter. The case revolved around the sale of Parmesan cheese under its Perfect Italiano brand, part of the company’s consumer products division. The legal dispute was initiated by Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano Reggiano, an Italian government-backed consortium that safeguards the GI status of Parmigiano Reggiano. The consortium argued that Parmesan was a direct translation of the protected term, restricting its use to authorized production zones.
Fonterra countered this claim, asserting that Parmesan has become a generic term in many markets, describing a style of hard, grated cheese rather than a specific regional product. The Singapore court ruled in favor of Fonterra, agreeing that Parmesan is widely recognized as a generic term, allowing the company to continue using it for its products.
This verdict has broader implications for global debates on geographical indications and their enforcement in international markets. For Fonterra, the ruling ensures continuity in its branding and marketing, particularly as it focuses on divesting its consumer products division to strengthen its core dairy operations.
The decision highlights the challenges of balancing trade protections with global market realities. It is a noteworthy precedent in the growing discussions around transparency and authenticity in food labeling, which are increasingly important to consumers and regulatory bodies worldwide.
The case underscores Fonterra’s commitment to maintaining its position in the competitive dairy industry while navigating complex international trade regulations.