When can a food description become a protected Geographical Indicator?

A World Trade Organisation dispute between Australia and the EU over the definition of “prosecco” has highlighted the value of Geographical Indicators in influencing world trade. This article explores the questions surrounding how and when a food description can become a Geographical Indicator that is subject to international protection. We address the prosecco scenario as a case study and consider several other illustrations on approaching food descriptions that might be associated with a geographic region.