Victorin Lurel, the Minister for Overseas France, visited Paris's Rungis wholesale market last week in support of the launch of the first campaign for PGI (protected geographical indication) melons from Guadeloupe.
The launch came on the eve of the Salon International de l'Agriculture, the major French agricultural event celebrating its fiftieth edition this year.
Lurel described the PGI label as a 'great achievement', a guarantee of 'quality and of consistent excellence'.
He announced: 'I am happy to be able to salute the collective effort of producers and exporters of Guadeloupe melons who have had the patience – because the road has been long since 2009 – and the tenacity to finally gain this PGI.'
Lurel also reiterated the campaign pledge of French president François Hollande, which was to encourage the creation of labels and the obtention of controlled appellations for agricultural products grown in France's overseas territories in order to facilitate marketing. Lurel stressed that the government was eager to move from words to deeds.
He also spoke of Martinique and Guadeloupe bananas, as well as Victoria pineapples and Reunion lychees, which both carry the Red Label.
'We must be aware that a brand builds and maintains,' he said. 'The government intends to encourage and support initiatives like the one we are celebrating today.'
