Armenia prepares to recognize Matsoni as Georgian

A working group has been set up on the instruction of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to eliminate problems related to the export of Armenian-made matsun, Report informs, citing Radio Azatutyun.

The group's establishment was made necessary by the recent problems with the export of the Armenian dairy product through Georgia.

According to the Armenian Ministry of Economy, matsun will be registered as a geographical indication after the legislative changes. Later, talks will begin with the Georgian side on the issue of mutual recognition of the Georgian matsoni and the Armenian matsun. Adoption of the amendments may take three to four months.

Besides, the Georgian side submitted an agreement to Armenia on mutual recognition and protection of geographical indications.

Georgia has banned the transit of Armenian-made matsun dairy products (yoghurt) to Russia through its territory. The decision was linked to the fact that Georgia registered the name 'Matsoni' as its geographical indication. Armenian producers had to export matsun to Russia via Georgia under the name "Armenian mountain yoghurt."