Vodka war

• Vodka must be clearly defined in the same way as has been done for other hard liquors, such as brandy or whiskey, in terms of raw ingredients and manufacturing process. • A restricted definition protects the quality and the originality of the product, in accord with the long-established traditions of its production, a brand protection similar to the "Protected designation of origin". ==Arguments for broad definition==

• Traditionalists maintain that each good vodka has its own distinct flavour. • Threat of trade wars. • The proposal is seen as an attempt to monopolise the vodka market by the Vodka Belt • The restriction may hamper innovation, in the opinion of the UK representatives in the European Vodka Alliance. • The restriction may hamper US exports and lead to retaliation, since the United States is one of the largest vodka importers from the EU (US$500 million). ==Schnellhardt compromise==

The compromise was adopted by the EU's Environment Committee on 30 January 2007. It states that the label may say simply "vodka" if the product was made from cereals, grains, or molasses. In all other cases it must say "Vodka made of..." On 19 June 2007, The European Parliament voted for the compromise. In late August the position of the WTO is expected to be known, and the EU agriculture ministers will debate and vote on the issue in September. Polish vodka producers are going to fight back by forming the Polish Vodka Association, with the purpose of launching a public relations campaign abroad against the expected flood of cheap, poor quality vodkas. While the strong Polish brands, such as Wyborowa or Zubrowka, feel safe, the smaller producers are threatened by the competition against cheaper products. ==See also==