The China-EU Agreement on Geographical Indications officially entered into force on March 1, 2021. It is China's first bilateral comprehensive and high-standard agreement on GI protection and a practical outcome in China-EU economic and trade relations in recent years.
We will continue to introduce to you the first batch of 100 Chinese GIs and 100 European GIs under the Agreement, to better protect and market them to meet the needs of consumers on both sides for a better life.
GI Episode 3 : Kalamata Olives
Mana-Elia (Mother-Olive Tree) is believed to be the oldest olive tree which stands for thousands in Kalamata, the capital of Messinia in the southwest of the Greek Peloponnese Peninsula. The locals cut young olive branches from the tree to grow new olive trees, and the olives are named Kalamata.
Known as the "black queen" of all Greek olives, Kalamata olives are purple-hued when they are ripe, with a smooth texture and shaped like almonds. Kalamata olives are juicy and have a rich flavor. They are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants essential to human body.
Kalamata olives taste bitter if eaten raw and are typically used as ingredients in salads or soups.
In recent years, new products such as olive tapenade, olive flakes, and seedless olives have also emerged on the market. As innovative products of traditional canned olives or chutney, these new products are also gaining popularity.
