Pashinyan: Cognac and champagne cannot be produced in Armenia, nor "Jermuk" in Dilijan
23.10.2025,
09:32
Cognac and champagne cannot be produced in Armenia, just as the city of Dilijan cannot produce "Jermuk" mineral water.
YEREVAN, October 23. /ARKA/. Cognac and champagne cannot be produced in Armenia, just as the city of Dilijan cannot produce "Jermuk" mineral water. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated this in parliament.
He explained that Armenian companies do not have the right to use the geographical names "Cognac" or "Champagne." Pashinyan said that representatives of reputable international companies have complained to him about counterfeiting of their alcoholic beverages in Armenia.
Pashinyan thinks Armenia's problem lies in its narrow-mindedness. "Our problem is that we have a window through which we look at the world," he said.
In 2023, the Armenian Ministry of Economy reported that, together with its EU partners, it had agreed on a brand and geographical name—Armenian Brandy—that would replace the term "Armenian Cognac." The EU will allocate €2.9 million to Armenia for the rebranding process.
He explained that Armenian companies do not have the right to use the geographical names "Cognac" or "Champagne." Pashinyan said that representatives of reputable international companies have complained to him about counterfeiting of their alcoholic beverages in Armenia.
Pashinyan thinks Armenia's problem lies in its narrow-mindedness. "Our problem is that we have a window through which we look at the world," he said.
In 2023, the Armenian Ministry of Economy reported that, together with its EU partners, it had agreed on a brand and geographical name—Armenian Brandy—that would replace the term "Armenian Cognac." The EU will allocate €2.9 million to Armenia for the rebranding process.
