At the end of 2025, Ukraine will end a 10-year transition period during which Ukrainian cognac producers were required to change the name of the drink on the brand in accordance with the requirements of the Association Agreement with the EU. From January 1, 2026, they will lose the right to use the name “cognac”, which is reserved for the French region of Cognac and controlled by the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac.
Some producers, such as Akkerman Distillery, did not have time to adapt due to the war and the destruction of production facilities. Losses in production and sales can amount to 25-50%, and the costs of rebranding one producer are estimated at 500-600 thousand euros. On the other hand, other companies, such as Chateau Chizay, have already changed the names of their drinks and are ready to transition.
The government confirms that the transition will take place as planned, and violation of the rules of geographical indications will be punishable by fines of 5 to 15 minimum wages - from 43,235 to 129,705 UAH for each violation. Cognac produced before January 1, 2026, will be sold until stocks run out.
It is noted that Ukraine has previously adapted to the EU rules on geographical indications for cheeses, banning the use of the names Parmesan, Roquefort and feta. After 2025, similar restrictions will apply to 13 names of alcoholic beverages, including Bordeaux, Chablis, Champagne, Calvados, Chianti, Cognac, Port, Madeira, Sherry and the Spanish sparkling wine Kava.
