SINGAPORE: A Landmark Ruling

In a landmark ruling that could send shockwaves through the cheese industry, the Court of Appeal of Singapore has officially declared that Parmesan and Parmigiano Reggiano are not the same cheese. This decision, announced on November 22, 2023, is significant not just for producers but also for consumers who love cheese!

The Court's Findings

The court found that Singaporean consumers do not associate Parmesan solely with its Italian roots. Instead, the marketing and availability of this cheese in Singapore have led people to believe that Parmesan can come from various regions worldwide. The justices emphasized that the average Singaporean consumer—who generally lacks specialized knowledge about cheese—views Parmesan as distinct, influenced by local packaging and product presentation.

Background of the Case

This judgment came after an appeal from Fonterra Brands (Singapore) Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of New Zealand's dairy cooperative. Fonterra was challenging an earlier court’s ruling that classified "Parmesan" as merely a translation of "Parmigiano Reggiano." The court pointed out that while "Parmigiano Reggiano" is protected as a Geographical Indication (GI), meaning it can only come from specific regions in Italy, the name "Parmesan" does not hold the same restrictions and is often used for cheeses that could originate from outside Italy.

The Distinction of Parmigiano Reggiano

The renowned Italian cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano, has strict guidelines according to its GI status, which encompasses areas in the provinces of Bologna, Mantua, Modena, Parma, and Reggio Emilia in Italy. The Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano Reggiano, which oversees the protection of this esteemed cheese, registered the GI in Singapore back in June 2019. Following that, Fonterra applied to clarify that the GI should not encompass the term "Parmesan," arguing convincingly on many fronts including flavor profiles, production methods, and milk content.

The Court Proceedings

During the court proceedings, dictionaries were cited, leading to conflicting definitions. The Consorzio claimed that terms were interchangeable, while Fonterra produced evidence showcasing that consumers viewed these cheeses as separate entities. The judges sided with Fonterra, noting that local product listings and supermarket catalogs clearly differentiate Parmesan from Parmigiano Reggiano.

Outcome and Implications

As a result of this ruling, Fonterra emerged victorious, affirming that the GI protection for Parmigiano Reggiano will not apply to the name "Parmesan." The Consorzio has been ordered to pay S$100,000 (approximately US$74,204) in costs to Fonterra.

Cheese Lovers Rejoice: Here’s What You Need to Know!

For cheese aficionados in Singapore, this ruling might change how you shop for your favorite hard cheese. Expect to see clearer labeling in stores that help you differentiate between the authentic Parmigiano Reggiano and other Parmesan varieties. This decision underscores the importance of product origins and consumer awareness, which might influence cheese marketing strategies moving forward.

In a culinary world increasingly focused on authenticity and quality, such legal clarifications are paramount. So, the next time you're grating cheese over your pasta, you can do so with the knowledge that your Parmesan is, indeed, distinct—an intriguing twist in the world of dairy!