At the beginning of March, the EU-China bilateral agreement on the protection of geographical indications (GIs) in China and Europe entered into force.

The EU list of GIs to be protected in China includes iconic Italian wine products including Asti, Barbaresco, Bardolino Superiore, Barolo, Brachetto d'Aqui, Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti, Prosecco, Dolcetto d'Alba, Franciacorta, Soave, and a series of food products including Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano and Grappa.

The Chinese market has high growth potential for European food and drink. In 2020, China was the third largest destination for EU agri-food products, reaching € 16.3 billion between January and November. It is also the second largest destination for EU exports of GI products, accounting for 9% in value, including wines, agri-food products and spirits.