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CETA benefits ‘large and small spirits producers’
Spirits Europe has reiterated its support for the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) as the European Parliament Committee on International Trade (INTA) votes to approve the deal.
Spirits Europe says both large and small spirits producers will benefit under the CETA agreement
In a statement released following the vote, Paul Skehan, Spirits Europe director general, said the CETA deal will benefit both large and small spirits producers.
Under the agreement, all import tariffs on spirits will be abolished, spirit geographical indications will be recognised in Canada, and there will be European protection for Canadian whisky and rye.
“We welcome the positive vote in INTA this morning and we look forward to a full ratification in Strasbourg next month,” said Skehan
“There have been fruitful debates at national and EU level. We have made the case for CETA. We have contributed with all positive arguments to demonstrate the benefits of the deal for the small and large spirits producers and all those working in sectors connected to our local productions. It is the right time for Europe to seize the opportunity offered by an ambitious deal with a democratic country that is sharing our values.
“We strongly believe that at a time when domestic markets are difficult, export markets are providing the only opportunities for growth. From a specific spirits sector perspective, Canada is already the fifth largest market for European spirit drinks, generating €341 million for the European economy each year, and a deal now will open the opportunity for increasing our sales there. It would also mean greater access to quality European spirits for Canadian consumers.”
CETA negotiations were initially concluded in 2014 when Jan Westcott, president and CEO of Spirits Canada, the national trade association representing the interests of Canadian spirits producers, said the deal provides “Canadian spirits the platform to expand and broaden sales to the world’s largest consumer market”.
The agreement will now go to a European parliamentary vote in February.
Despite trade support, there has been opposition from some groups that claim the CETA deal will threaten workers rights and undermine democracy.