1. Arguments for restricted definition

2. Arguments for broad definition

3. Schnellhardt compromise

4. See also

5. References

The countries of the EU "Vodka Belt" argue that only spirits made exclusively from cereals, potatoes and sugar beet molasses may be branded vodka. Other distillers insist on a broader definition. The Schnellhardt compromise, proposed by Horst Schnellhardt, suggests that vodkas made from items other than cereals, potatoes and molasses should say "Vodka produced from..." on the label.^[1]

On 20 February 2006 Poland put a demand to restrict the definition of Vodka within EU, and the move was supported by the vodka belt countries and Germany.^[5] This demand was triggered by a 2005 European Commission proposal to split vodka category into several subcategories basing on the flavor and raw materials.

If the "Vodka Belt" prevails, it will significantly influence the global US$12 billion annual vodka market.^[3] In particular, some drinks presently marketed as vodka will have to be re-branded.

The issue goes beyond the EU: The United States is the world's fastest-growing vodka producer, and if its non-traditional vodkas are excluded from the EU, it may retaliate in the World Trade Organization.^[3]

Arguments for restricted definition

• 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.^[6]
• 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)^[6]

Schnellhardt compromise

The compromise was adopted by the EU's Environment Committee on 30 January 2007. Since then it was negotiated with the agriculture ministers, and further compromises have been proposed, e.g., the initial requirement of prominent print size was suggested to be dropped.^[7]

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.^[4]{{Update after|2010|11|16}}

See also

• Smirnov Trading House, about another "vodka war" of "Smirnov" vs. "Smirnoff", ended in 1997

References

• Saltvik Prison
• Saltviksanstalten
• Saltville (archaelogical site)
• Saltville (archaeological site)
• Saltville Battlefields Historic District
• Saltville Historic District
• Saltville Massacre
• Salt War (1540)
• Saltwater (2012 film)
• Saltwater aquaponics
• Salt-Water Ballads
• Saltwater battery
• Saltwater Battery
• Saltwater City
• Saltwater City: An Illustrated History of the Chinese in Vancouver
• Saltwater City (book)
• Saltwater City: Story of Vancouver's Chinese Community
• Saltwater Creek (Gold Coast)
• Saltwater Creek (Queensland)
• Salt water dimmer
• Saltwater false willow
• Saltwater (film)
• Saltwater fish
• Salt water ingress
• Saltwater lakes in China