ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 361

European flag  

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 62
25 October 2019


Contents

page

 

II   Information

 

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

 

European Commission

2019/C 361/01

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.9534 — CKA/Greene King) ( 1 )

1


 

IV   Notices

 

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

 

Council

2019/C 361/02

Notice for the attention of the persons subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/1763 as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/1788 and Council Regulation (EU) 2015/1755, as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1779 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Burundi

2

2019/C 361/03

Notice for the attention of the data subjects to whom the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/17631 and Council Regulation (EU) 2015/17552 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Burundi apply

3

2019/C 361/04

Notice for the attention of the persons and entities subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2010/638/CFSP, as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/1790, and in Council Regulation (EU) No 1284/2009 as amended by Council Regulation (EU) 2019/1778 concerning restrictive measures against the Republic of Guinea

4

2019/C 361/05

Notice for the attention of the data subjects to whom the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2010/638/CFSP and Council Regulation (EU) No 1284/2009 concerning restrictive measures against the Republic of Guinea apply

5

 

European Commission

2019/C 361/06

Euro exchange rates — 24 October 2019

6


 

V   Announcements

 

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

 

European Commission

2019/C 361/07

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.9548 — Apollo Capital Management/Covivio/Hilton Kilmainham) Candidate case for simplified procedure ( 1 )

7

2019/C 361/08

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.9553 — Domo Investment Group/Solvay’s EEA EP and P&I Business) ( 1 )

9

2019/C 361/09

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.9570 — Bridgepoint/Latour/Primonial) Candidate case for simplified procedure ( 1 )

10

 

OTHER ACTS

 

European Commission

2019/C 361/10

Publication of an application for approval of non-minor amendments to a product specification pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

11


 


 

(1)   Text with EEA relevance.

EN

 


II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

25.10.2019   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 361/1


Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.9534 — CKA/Greene King)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2019/C 361/01)

On 16 October 2019, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32019M9534. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.


(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.


IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

25.10.2019   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 361/2


Notice for the attention of the persons subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/1763 as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/1788 and Council Regulation (EU) 2015/1755, as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1779 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Burundi

(2019/C 361/02)

The following information is brought to the attention of the persons that appear in the Annex to Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/1763 (1), as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/1788 (2) and in Annex I to Council Regulation (EU) 2015/1755 (3), as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1779 (4) concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Burundi.

The Council of the European Union has decided that the persons that appear in the above-mentioned Annexes should continue to be included in the list of persons and entities subject to restrictive measures provided for in Decision (CFSP) 2015/1763 as amended by Decision (CFSP) 2019/1788 and in Regulation (EU) 2015/1755, as implemented by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1779 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Burundi. The grounds for designations of those persons appear in the relevant entries in those Annexes.

The attention of the persons concerned is drawn to the possibility of making an application to the competent authorities of the relevant Member State(s) as indicated in the websites in Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2015/1755, in order to obtain an authorisation to use frozen funds for basic needs or specific payments (cf. Article 3 of the Regulation).

The persons concerned may submit a request to the Council before 2 July 2020, together with supporting documentation that the decision to include them on the above-mentioned list should be reconsidered to the following address:

Council of the European Union

General Secretariat

RELEX.1.C

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Email: sanctions@consilium.europa.eu

Any observations received will be taken into account for the purpose of the Council’s next review, pursuant to Article 6 of Decision (CFSP) 2015/1763 and Article 13(4) of Regulation (EU) 2015/1755, of the list of designated persons.

The attention of the persons concerned is also drawn to the possibility of challenging the Council’s decision before the General Court of the European Union, in accordance with the conditions laid down in Article 275, second paragraph, and Article 263, fourth and sixth paragraphs, of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.


(1)  OJ L 257, 2.10.2015, p. 37.

(2)  OJ L 272, 25.10.2019, p. 148.

(3)  OJ L 257, 2.10.2015, p. 1.

(4)  OJ L 272, 25.10.2019, p. 6.


25.10.2019   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 361/3


Notice for the attention of the data subjects to whom the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/17631 and Council Regulation (EU) 2015/17552 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Burundi apply

(2019/C 361/03)

The attention of data subjects is drawn to the following information in accordance with Article 16 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1).

The legal basis for this processing operation are Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/1763 (2), as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/1788 (3), and Council Regulation (EU) 2015/1755 (4), as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1779 (5).

The controller of this processing operation is the Department RELEX.1.C in the Directorate-General for Foreign Affairs, Enlargement and Civil Protection — RELEX of the General Secretariat of the Council (GSC), that can be contacted at:

Council of the European Union

General Secretariat

RELEX.1.C

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Email: sanctions@consilium.europa.eu

The GSC’s Data Protection Officer can be contacted at:

Data Protection Officer

data.protection@consilium.europa.eu

The purpose of the processing operation is the establishment and updating of the list of persons subject to restrictive measures in accordance with Decision (CFSP) 2015/1763, as amended by Decision (CFSP) 2019/1788, and Regulation (EU) 2015/1755, as implemented by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1779.

The data subjects are the natural persons who fulfil the listing criteria as laid down in Decision (CFSP) 2015/1763 and Regulation (EU) 2015/1755.

The personal data collected includes data necessary for the correct identification of the person concerned, the statement of reasons and any other data related thereto.

The personal data collected may be shared as necessary with the European External Action Service and the Commission.

Without prejudice to restrictions pursuant to Article 25 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725, the exercise of the rights of the data subjects such as the right of access, as well as the rights to rectification or to object will be answered in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725.

Personal data will be retained for 5 years from the moment the data subject has been removed from the list of persons subject to the restrictive measures or the validity of the measure has expired, or for the duration of court proceedings in the event they had been started.

Without prejudice to any judicial, administrative or non-judicial remedy, data subjects may lodge a complaint with the European Data Protection Supervisor in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 (edps@edps.europa.eu).


(1)  OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39.

(2)  OJ L 257, 2.10.2015, p. 37.

(3)  OJ L 272, 25.10.2019, p. 148.

(4)  OJ L 257, 2.10.2015, p. 1.

(5)  OJ L 272, 25.10.2019, p. 6.


25.10.2019   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 361/4


Notice for the attention of the persons and entities subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2010/638/CFSP, as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/1790, and in Council Regulation (EU) No 1284/2009 as amended by Council Regulation (EU) 2019/1778 concerning restrictive measures against the Republic of Guinea

(2019/C 361/04)

The following information is brought to the attention of the persons that appear in the Annex to Council Decision 2010/638/CFSP (1) , as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/1790 (2), and in Annex II to Council Regulation (EU) No 1284/2009 (3), as amended by Council Regulation (EU) 2019/1778 (4).

The Council of the European Union has determined that the persons that appear in the above-mentioned Annexes continue to fulfil the criterion set out in Council Decision 2010/638/CFSP and in Council Regulation (EU) No 1284/2009 concerning restrictive measures against the Republic of Guinea and should therefore remain subject to the measures, as renewed by Decision (CFSP) 2019/1790.

The attention of the persons concerned is drawn to the possibility of making an application to the competent authorities of the relevant Member State(s) as indicated in the web-sites in Annex III to Regulation (EU) No 1284/2009, in order to obtain an authorisation to use frozen funds for basic needs or specific payments (cf. Article 8 of the Regulation).

The persons concerned may submit a request to the Council, together with supporting documentation before 30 June 2020, that the decision to include them on the above-mentioned list should be reconsidered, to the following address:

Council of the European Union

General Secretariat

RELEX.1.C

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Email: sanctions@consilium.europa.eu

The attention of the persons concerned is also drawn to the possibility of challenging the Council’s decision before the General Court of the European Union, in accordance with the conditions laid down in Article 275, 2nd paragraph, and Article 263, 4th and 6th paragraphs, of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.


(1)  OJ L 280 26.10.2010, p. 10.

(2)  OJ L 272, 25.10.2019, p. 153.

(3)  OJ L 346, 23.12.2009, p. 26.

(4)  OJ L 272, 25.10.2019, p. 4.


25.10.2019   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 361/5


Notice for the attention of the data subjects to whom the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2010/638/CFSP and Council Regulation (EU) No 1284/2009 concerning restrictive measures against the Republic of Guinea apply

(2019/C 361/05)

The attention of data subjects is drawn to the following information in accordance with Article 16 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1).

The legal basis for this processing operation are Council Decision 2010/638/CFSP (2), as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/1790 (3), and Council Regulation (EU) No 1284/2009 (4), as amended by Council Regulation (EU) 2019/1778 (5).

The controller of this processing operation is the Department RELEX.1.C in the Directorate-General for Foreign Affairs, Enlargement and Civil Protection — RELEX of the General Secretariat of the Council (GSC), that can be contacted at:

Council of the European Union

General Secretariat

RELEX.1.C

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Email: sanctions@consilium.europa.eu

The GSC’s Data Protection Officer can be contacted at:

Data Protection Officer

data.protection@consilium.europa.eu

The purpose of the processing operation is the establishment and updating of the list of persons subject to restrictive measures in accordance with Decision 2010/638/CFSP, as amended by Decision (CFSP) 2019/1790, and Regulation (EU) No 1284/2009, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2019/1778.

The data subjects are the natural persons who fulfil the listing criteria as laid down in Decision 2010/638/CFSP and Regulation (EU) No 1284/2009.

The personal data collected includes data necessary for the correct identification of the person concerned, the statement of reasons and any other data related thereto.

The personal data collected may be shared as necessary with the European External Action Service and the Commission.

Without prejudice to restrictions pursuant to Article 25 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725, the exercise of the rights of the data subjects such as the right of access, as well as the rights to rectification or to object will be answered in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725.

Personal data will be retained for 5 years from the moment the data subject has been removed from the list of persons subject to the restrictive measures or the validity of the measure has expired, or for the duration of court proceedings in the event they had been started.

Without prejudice to any judicial, administrative or non-judicial remedy, data subjects may lodge a complaint with the European Data Protection Supervisor in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 (edps@edps.europa.eu).


(1)  OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39.

(2)  OJ L 280, 26.10.2010, p. 10.

(3)  OJ L 272, 25.10.2019, p. 153.

(4)  OJ L 346, 23.12.2009, p. 26.

(5)  OJ L 272, 25.10.2019, p. 4.


European Commission

25.10.2019   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 361/6


Euro exchange rates (1)

24 October 2019

(2019/C 361/06)

1 euro =


 

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,1128

JPY

Japanese yen

120,86

DKK

Danish krone

7,4705

GBP

Pound sterling

0,86288

SEK

Swedish krona

10,6963

CHF

Swiss franc

1,1019

ISK

Iceland króna

138,30

NOK

Norwegian krone

10,1368

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

25,598

HUF

Hungarian forint

329,24

PLN

Polish zloty

4,2770

RON

Romanian leu

4,7520

TRY

Turkish lira

6,4251

AUD

Australian dollar

1,6273

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4545

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

8,7235

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,7400

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,5162

KRW

South Korean won

1 305,33

ZAR

South African rand

16,2753

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,8704

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,4520

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

15 619,26

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,6571

PHP

Philippine peso

57,088

RUB

Russian rouble

71,1856

THB

Thai baht

33,707

BRL

Brazilian real

4,4908

MXN

Mexican peso

21,2595

INR

Indian rupee

79,0220


(1)  Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.


V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

25.10.2019   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 361/7


Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.9548 — Apollo Capital Management/Covivio/Hilton Kilmainham)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2019/C 361/07)

1.   

On 16 October 2019, the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1).

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

Apollo Capital Management, L.P. (‘Apollo’, U.S.A.),

Covivio, S.A. (‘Covivio’, France),

Hilton Kilmainham Hotel (‘Hilton Kilmainham’, Ireland).

Apollo and Covivio acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) and 3(4) of the Merger Regulation joint control of the whole of Hilton Kilmainham.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares and a hotel management agreement.

2.   

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

for Apollo: investments funds managed by affiliates of Apollo invest in companies and debt issued by companies involved in various businesses throughout the world. Examples of current investments include, inter alia, companies in education, insurance, financial services, lighting, and leisure businesses,

for Covivio: is a French real estate investment group with a commercial assets portfolio across Europe mainly comprising of offices, as well as residential assets and hotels. Covivio currently owns 466 hotels in countries in the EEA (France, Germany, UK, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, and Portugal), and manages seven of these hotels directly,

for Hilton Kilmainham: is a four star hotel in Dublin city centre, offering 120 bedrooms, as well as a restaurant, bar and conference facilities.

3.   

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under the Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

4.   

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. The following reference should always be specified:

M.9548 — Apollo Capital Management/Covivio/Hilton Kilmainham

Observations can be sent to the Commission by email, by fax, or by post. Please use the contact details below:

Email: COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu

Fax +32 22964301

Postal address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË


(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).

(2)  OJ C 366, 14.12.2013, p. 5.


25.10.2019   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 361/9


Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.9553 — Domo Investment Group/Solvay’s EEA EP and P&I Business)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2019/C 361/08)

1.   

On 21 October 2019 the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 and following a referral pursuant to Article 4(5) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1).

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

Domo Chemicals GmbH (‘Domo Chemicals’, Germany), controlled by Domo Investment Group (‘DIG’, Belgium),

the divestment business arising from the commitments attached to the Commission’s Decision in case M.8674 BASF/Solvay’s EP and P&I business (the ‘Divestment Business’), controlled by Solvay S.A. (‘Solvay’, Belgium).

Domo Chemicals acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control of the whole of the Divestment Business.

2.   

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

Domo Chemicals is a vertically integrated firm which offers a portfolio of nylon 6 intermediates, nylon 6 and 6.6 engineering plastics, packaging film, fertilizers, and distribution of petrochemical products. Domo Chemicals serves the automotive, food, medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, chemicals and electronics industries,

The Divestment Business is primarily involved in the nylon 6.6 value chain and focuses on the manufacturing of nylon 6.6 intermediates, engineering plastics, and performance fibres. It is also active in the nylon 6 supply chain (nylon 6 BP and EP).

3.   

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of assets and shares.

4.   

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

5.   

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. The following reference should always be specified:

M.9553 — Domo Investment Group/Solvay’s EEA EP and P&I Business

Observations can be sent to the Commission by email, by fax, or by post. Please use the contact details below:

Email: COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu

Fax +32 22964301

Postal address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË


(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).


25.10.2019   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 361/10


Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.9570 — Bridgepoint/Latour/Primonial)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2019/C 361/09)

1.   

On 17 October 2019, the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1).

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

Bridgepoint SAS (‘Bridgepoint’, France), controlled by Atlantic Investments Holdings Limited (UK), the parent holding company of the Bridgepoint group,

Latour Capital Management SAS (‘Latour’, France) controlled jointly by Mr Philippe Leoni and Mr Cédric Bannel,

New Primonial Holding SAS (‘Primonial’, France) currently controlled by Bridgepoint.

Bridgepoint and Latour acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) and 3(4) of the Merger Regulation joint control of Primonial.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares.

2.   

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

Bridgepoint is an independent private equity company,

Latour is an independent private equity company,

Primonial operates in France providing selection, design, management and advisory services in the field of investment solutions.

3.   

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under the Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

4.   

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. The following reference should always be specified:

M.9570 Bridgepoint/Latour/Primonial

Observations can be sent to the Commission by email, by fax, or by post. Please use the contact details below:

E-mail: COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu

Fax +32 22964301

Postal address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË


(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).

(2)  OJ C 366, 14.12.2013, p. 5.


OTHER ACTS

European Commission

25.10.2019   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 361/11


Publication of an application for approval of non-minor amendments to a product specification pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2019/C 361/10)

This publication confers the right to oppose the amendment application pursuant to Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) within three months of the date of this publication.

APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF NON-MINOR AMENDMENTS TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION FOR A PROTECTED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN OR PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION

Application for approval of amendments in accordance with the first subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

BERGAMOTE(S) DE NANCY

EU No: PGI-FR-0195-AM01 30.10.2017

PDO () PGI (X)

1.   Applicant group and legitimate interest

Name: Association des Fabricants de Bergamote de Nancy IGP

Address: co AIAL - 2, avenue de la forêt de Haye — ENSAIA — UDL/BP 172

54 505 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy Cedex

FRANCE

Email: Bergamote-de-nancy@iaa-lorraine.fr

Composition: the group consists of producers of ‘Bergamote(s) de Nancy’. It therefore has a legitimate right to propose amendments to the product specification.

2.   Member state or third country

France

3.   Heading in the product specification affected by the amendment(s)

☒ Name of product

☒ Description of product

☒ Geographical area

☒ Proof of origin

☒ Method of production

☒ Link

☒ Labelling

☒ Other: addition of information regarding packaging, updating of contact details, inspection bodies, national requirements

4.   Type of amendment(s)

☐ Amendments to the product specification of a registered PDO or PGI not to be qualified as minor within the meaning of the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

☒ Amendments to the product specification of a registered PDO or PGI for which a single document or equivalent has not been published and which cannot be qualified as minor within the meaning of the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

5.   Amendment

5.1.   Heading ‘Name of product’

The name ‘Bergamote(s) de Nancy’ has been replaced by: ‘Bergamote de Nancy’/‘Bergamotes de Nancy’, as both names are used either to denote the individual sweet or to denote the sweets when they are packaged in bulk or in consumer sales units.

5.2.   Heading ‘Description of product’

Glucose syrup has been added to the list of ingredients, as it had been omitted from the product description, although it is mentioned in the section describing the production method.

The words ‘natural essence of bergamot’ have been replaced by ‘essence of bergamot’ so as to comply with the rules on flavourings currently in force (Regulation (EU) No 1334/2008).

The phrase:

‘“Bergamote(s) de Nancy” is a sweet made of boiled sugar […]’

has been replaced by

‘“Bergamote de Nancy”/“Bergamotes de Nancy” is a sweet made solely of sugar […]’

The word ‘boiled’ has been deleted, as it describes how an ingredient has been processed and not the what the sweet is made of.

The sentence ‘Its natural colour is obtained by cooking over an open flame’, referring to the uncooled syrup once it has been poured, has been added. This is simply a repeat of the information given in the section on the production method, as it is what gives the sweet its main characteristic.

When the syrup is boiled over an open flame it naturally takes on an amber colour so there is no need to add food colouring.

It has been added that ‘Bergamote de Nancy’/‘Bergamotes de Nancy’ is a ‘hard’ sweet. The hardness is not new — it is one of the sweet’s characteristic features, the result of boiling the sugar. The adjective ‘hard’ has been added in the interests of greater precision.

The sentence ‘It is consumed as it is’ has been deleted because it does not describe the product.

The sentence ‘Bergamote de Nancy does not contain any chemical additives or any colouring except the ingredients listed above’ has been deleted. Only the rules that specifically relate to the product have been retained.

The sentence ‘It is the only traditional French sweet flavoured with natural bergamot essence’ has been deleted. It does not serve any purpose because the production of other sweets flavoured with bergamot essence is not prohibited.

Individual wrapping of the sweets:

The sentence ‘Bergamote de Nancy’/‘Bergamotes de Nancy’ are packaged individually has been added under ‘Description of product’.

The sweets can easily stick together and become opaque and milky-coloured, softer and stickier in the mouth. The confectioners wrap them individually to protect them from the air and ensure that they keep better and for longer. Thus, individual wrapping done quickly and with minimal handling preserves the specific qualities of ‘Bergamote de Nancy’/‘Bergamotes de Nancy’, above all its hardness and transparency.

5.3.   Heading ‘Geographical area’

The references to the Lorraine region have been deleted, as the boundaries and the name of the region have changed, following the reorganisation of France’s administrative divisions. Only the list of departments has been retained. The geographical area remains unchanged.

Individual packaging in the defined geographical area:

The sentence ‘The sweets are made and individually wrapped within the geographical area’. has been added so that the steps that take place in the geographical area are clearly stated. The sweets are individually wrapped within moments of cutting, as they are very sensitive to humidity and handling. This means they are protected as quickly as possible to ensure that they keep as well and for as long as possible.

5.4.   Heading ‘Proof of origin’

The information regarding traceability has been set out in a table listing the different stages: ‘Delivery and storage of the raw materials’, ‘Production, Individual wrapping’ and ‘Packaging, storage and sale’. The table also lists the supporting documents required: ‘technical data file’, ‘test results’, etc. These amendments, which are designed to ensure that the traceability rules are more strictly enforced, reflect current practices, which were not set out as clearly in the original specification.

5.5.   Heading ‘Method of production’

The paragraph ‘The premises and material used for the production of Bergamote de Nancy must meet the hygiene requirements laid down in the legislation in force (Decree No 91-409 of 26 April 1991)’ has been deleted because it refers to general legislation.

In order to present the various stages in the production process more clearly, a product life cycle has been added. The production method has not changed but has simply been set out in the form of a diagram.

Raw materials used:

The words ‘glucose syrup R43 or R45’ have been replaced by ‘glucose syrup with a dextrose equivalent (DE) value of between 35 and 41’ as the terms R43 and R45 are suppliers’ references for the same dextrose equivalent. Giving the exact definition has no effect on the product.

The words ‘natural bergamot essence that is in conformity with Council Directive 88/388/EEC and standard NF T75 2015 (Annex 5)’ have been replaced by ‘bergamot essence that is in conformity with the EU legislation in force’. This new wording is a reference to general rules, which may change. The ingredient used remains the same.

Water is added as a raw material because it is used to prepare the syrup, and then evaporates when the syrup is boiled. Thus an ingredient omitted from the specification, because it evaporates, has now been included, as it is essential for the production of ‘Bergamote de Nancy’/‘Bergamotes de Nancy’. The phrase ‘any leftovers from previous batches of “Bergamote de Nancy”/ “Bergamotes de Nancy” may also be used, within the limit of 15 % of the start weight’ has been added.

The purpose of this amendment is to authorise the use of leftovers from previous batches which did not qualify for PGI after being cut: sweets rejected because they were broken or misshapen. These pieces are mixed in when the syrup is boiled. To ensure that the characteristics of the final product are unaffected, the proportion is limited to 15 %. They do not affect the composition of the syrup because they themselves are pieces of cooled, hardened syrup so their composition is the same. This reflects current practice and codifies it.

Production process:

The following paragraph has been added:

‘a) Preparation of the syrup: This stage consists of dissolving the sugar and any leftovers from previous batches in water. The final mixture (syrup) is then made by adding glucose syrup. This is brought to the boil and clarified by skimming.’

The purpose of this paragraph is to describe the preparation of the syrup, which the current specification does not do. It sets out the producers’ established practices and, by improving the description given, ensures that the requisite quality is obtained.

Making the sweets:

The phrase:

‘the sugar is boiled over an open flame and when it reaches the “hard crack” stage (temperature close to 150 °C), natural bergamot essence is added at the rate of 2 g minimum per kilo of syrup’

has been replaced by:

‘The syrup is boiled over an open flame and when it reaches the “hard crack” stage, i.e. 152 °C (+/– 5 °C), the bergamot essence is added all at once away from the heat at the rate of 2 g (+/– 10 %) per kilo of boiled syrup. The bergamot essence must be mixed in quickly so that not too much of it evaporates. It is stirred in gently to prevent any risk of premature crystallisation of the sugar.’

The purpose of this amendment is to ensure that the production stage is described clearly and accurately. The current specification states that the sugar is boiled, whereas it is in fact the syrup, which is made of sugar, that is boiled. The temperature range for ‘hard crack’ (152 °C (+/– 5 °C) has been laid down to facilitate checks. Finally, the text explains how the bergamot essence must be mixed into the syrup (in one go, away from the heat) and the quantity of bergamot essence per kilo of syrup is more clearly defined (2 g (+/- 10 %). A precise definition of the dose is important for ensuring the requisite quality. If there is not enough, the sweets do not have their typical flavour. If there is too much, they taste too strong and the flavour is unpleasant. These amendments do not affect the product’s specific characteristics, or the causal link with the geographical area.

The sentence:

‘The syrup is poured onto a cooling table or marble slab to cool and then cut by hand (using a roller and cutter) or by a forming machine’

has been replaced by:

‘The syrup is cooled on a table or marble slab that has been greased with oil or edible fat.

The hardened syrup is then cut by hand using a cutter or mechanically using a forming machine.’

Thus the way the confectioners cool the syrup and cut the sweets is now more clearly described. The producers do not actually have cooling tables (tables kept at a low temperature) but tables made of various different materials or marble slabs where the syrup cools when it is poured out because of the temperature difference.

Individual wrapping of the sweets:

The sentence ‘The sweets are individually wrapped in transparent wrappers to protect them from humidity and thus stop them sticking together’. has been added to the specification under ‘Method of production’ so that the method of production is consistent with the product description and the definition of the geographical area where this step takes place. The producers always wrap the sweets individually.

The sweets are wrapped individually within the geographical area because they need to be packaged soon after they are made so that they do not deteriorate, e.g. by sticking together, which means they would no longer meet the product description (shape of the sweet). In addition, if they are kept in contact with the air for too long once they have been made and before packaging their appearance could change and they could become opaque and milky-coloured. They would also become softer and stickier in the mouth. The confectioners wrap the sweets individually to protect them from the air and ensure that they keep better and for longer. Thus, prompt individual wrapping with minimum handling preserves the specific quality of ‘Bergamote de Nancy’/‘Bergamotes de Nancy’, above all its transparency and hardness.

5.6.   Heading ‘Link’

The whole of the section entitled ‘link with the geographical area’ has been summarised and restructured in order to better identify the specificities of the geographical area, the specificities of the product and the causal link. Thus the form has been altered but the link between the product and the area remains the same.

On the basis of this new wording, the section ‘Link with the geographical area’ in the single document has been adapted, so that it does not exceed 2 500 words, as required by Article 6 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 668/2014.

The Annexes have been deleted as the information has either been incorporated into the specification (map of the geographical area) or is non-binding (summary of the specifications for bergamot oil according to standard AFNOR NF T 75-215). These are formal alterations which do not affect the provisions in force.

5.7.    Heading ‘Labelling

The words ‘Name of product: Bergamote de Nancy’ have been replaced by: ‘Name of product: Bergamote de Nancy’ or ‘Bergamotes de Nancy’ as both names are used. In general, the name ‘Bergamote de Nancy’ is written on the individual sweet wrappers and the name ‘Bergamotes de Nancy’ on the collective packaging (sachets, tins, etc.).

The phrase ‘the words “Natural bergamot essence”’ has been replaced by ‘the words “Bergamot essence”’ in the list of ingredients, followed by ‘Bergamot essence is a natural product’ or ‘Bergamot essence is natural’ as already indicated in the second paragraph of point 5.2 of this application. This makes it possible to avoid deviations that could lead to inconsistency with existing rules.

The words ‘the expiry date (set at a maximum of four months after the production date) identifying the production batch by: “best before ...”’ have been replaced by: ‘the best before date, which must be no more than 8 months after the date of production’.

This amendment extends the best before date from 4 months to 8 months, as marketing channels have evolved and the product is now more widely distributed. In these circumstances, the four-month limit was too restrictive. Extending the best before date does not affect the product’s specific characteristics if the limit is set at 8 months. Ageing and sensory tests have been carried out and the 8-month limit does not affect the specific characteristics of the sweets. Moreover, the individual wrapping helps to preserve them.

5.8.   Heading ‘Other’

Packaging in bulk and in consumer sales units

The words: ‘it is marketed: in bulk (more than 1 kg) or in consumer sales units, in tins or cardboard boxes, or in sachets made of transparent material but not polythene’ have been added in order to specify the formats in which the product is sold. These are the formats the producers have traditionally used. The use of polythene bags is prohibited because this material, owing to its composition, causes the sweets to alter more rapidly, in particular as regards colour and transparency.

Updating of contact details:

The contact details of the competent authority in the Member State have been added and those of the applicant group have been updated, as they have changed.

Inspection bodies:

The contact details of the inspection body have been replaced by those of the authority responsible for inspections. The reason for this amendment is to avoid having to amend the specification if the inspection body changes.

National requirements:

The main points that need to be checked have been listed under national requirements in accordance with the national legislation in force.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘BERGAMOTE DE NANCY’/‘BERGAMOTES DE NANCY

EU No: PGI-FR-0195-AM01 — 30.10.2017

PDO () PGI (X)

1.   Name(s)

‘Bergamote de Nancy’/‘Bergamotes de Nancy’

2.   Member State or third country

France

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Class 2.3. Bread, pastry, cakes, confectionery, biscuits and other baker’s wares

3.2.   Description of the product to which the name in (1) applies

‘Bergamote de Nancy’/‘Bergamotes de Nancy’ is a sweet made solely of sugar, glucose syrup and bergamot essence. Its natural colour is obtained by cooking over an open flame.

‘Bergamote de Nancy’/‘Bergamotes de Nancy’ is a confectionery product. It is a square-shaped, flat, hard, transparent, amber-coloured sweet and each sweet weighs from 2 g to 5 g.

3.3.   Feed (for products of animal origin only) and raw materials (for processed products only)

The only raw materials used are:

Sugar: EC category 1 or EC category 2

Glucose syrup with a dextrose equivalent value of between 35 and 41

Bergamot essence

Water

3.4.   Specific steps in production that must take place in the defined geographical area

Preparation of the syrup to the cutting of the individual sweets.

3.5.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product to which the registered name refers

The sweets are individually wrapped in transparent wrappers to protect them from humidity and stop them sticking together, which would lead to an alteration in their appearance.

The sweets are individually wrapped within moments of the hardened syrup being cut into squares, as they are very sensitive to humidity. They can easily stick to one another, become opaque and milky-coloured and undergo changes in consistency (becoming softer and stickier). The confectioners wrap the sweets individually in order to protect them as quickly as possible from air and to ensure that they keep better and for longer. Individual wrapping in the geographical area thus preserves the characteristic qualities of ‘Bergamotes de Nancy’, above all their transparency and hardness.

‘Bergamote de Nancy’/‘Bergamotes de Nancy’ is packaged individually and sold in different formats:

in bulk, more than 1 kg

or in consumer sales units, in tins or cardboard boxes, or in sachets made of transparent material but not polythene.

3.6.   Specific rules concerning labelling of the product to which the registered name refers

The following must appear on every package:

the name ‘Bergamote de Nancy’ or ‘Bergamotes de Nancy’,

the words ‘Bergamot essence’ in the list of ingredients, followed by the phrase ‘Bergamot essence is a natural product’ or ‘Bergamot essence is natural’,

the contact details of the producer,

the best before date, which must be no more than 8 months after the date of production.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The geographical area consists of the following departments:

Meurthe et Moselle

Meuse

Moselle

Vosges

5.   Link with the geographical area

Specificity of the geographical area

The city of Nancy is the capital of Lorraine and was formerly the capital of the historic Duchy of Lorraine, which became part of the Kingdom of France in 1766. The court of Lorraine had its seat in Nancy at the time.

The first reference to a bergamot-flavoured sweet is found in Le cannaméliste français (1751) by Joseph Gilliers, chef d’office of Stanisław Leszczyński (Stanislaus I), the last Duke of Lorraine and Bar. The work lists all the foodstuffs, implements and techniques used in the office, and describes a particular type of sweet, a lozenge flavoured with natural bergamot essence, which was taken at the time to make one’s breath smell sweet.

In 1857, confectioner Jean Frédéric Godefroy Lillich set out the definitive method for making ‘Bergamote de Nancy’/‘Bergamotes de Nancy’, devising a technique whereby the flavour was better preserved in the boiled sugar.

The confectioners of Lorraine acquired this know-how and passed it on to one another.

The sweets are made by following a specific method: a mixture of sugars and water is boiled to the ‘hard crack’ stage at around 152 °C. After the natural bergamot essence is added, the mixture is poured onto a slab and cut using a cutter or forming machine.

Specificity of the product

‘Bergamote de Nancy’/‘Bergamotes de Nancy’ has the following characteristics:

it is a square-shaped, hard, transparent sweet,

it is flavoured with bergamot,

it has a natural amber colour.

‘Bergamote de Nancy’/‘Bergamotes de Nancy’ has long enjoyed a high reputation that extends beyond the borders of Lorraine.

Causal link

The link between ‘Bergamote de Nancy’/‘Bergamotes de Nancy’ and the geographical area derives from its particular qualities and its reputation.

Bergamot-flavoured sweets were originally invented at the court of Lorraine in Nancy as a breath sweetener. Due to its hardness the sweet had to be sucked, allowing the bergamot aroma to develop as it was kept in the mouth. The exclusive use of natural bergamot essence continued and gave the sweet its name, which consists of the name of the fruit from which the essence is extracted — bergamot — and the city where it was created: Nancy

The hardness of ‘Bergamote de Nancy’/‘Bergamotes de Nancy’ is a result of the sugar-cooking process. The know-how of the confectioners in the geographical area involves cooking the syrup, which consists of water and sugars, over an open flame and bringing it to a temperature close to 150 °C, which is the ‘hard crack’ stage. The sugar is boiled and then becomes hard and brittle, like glass, when it cools. This cooking method also gives it a natural amber colour. A hard sweet could also be obtained using modern vacuum sugar cooking techniques, but food colouring would have to be added to give it colour. ‘Bergamote de Nancy’/‘Bergamotes de Nancy’ thus derives its specific characteristics from the original process devised by the confectioners of Nancy.

‘Bergamote de Nancy’/‘Bergamotes de Nancy’ enjoys a reputation that extends not only beyond the borders of Lorraine but also across international borders. At the world fair held in Nancy in 1909, the sweets were presented to the public in tins featuring a silk screen print of the Place Stanislas in Nancy. The sweets are described in Lorraine: produits du terroir et recettes traditionnelles [edited by J. Froc, M. Hyman and P. Hyman, et al.], with a foreword by the chair of the Lorraine regional council, which is part of the collection entitled Inventaire du patrimoine culinaire de la France (1998 edition, pp. 90-91). It is also defined in the Larousse Gastronomique (2000 edition, p. 105).

It is the only traditional French sweet flavoured with natural essence of bergamot. It has a definitive link with local know-how and the image of the city of Nancy and the Lorraine region.

Publication reference of the specification

(the second subparagraph of Article 6(1) of the Regulation)

https://extranet.inao.gouv.fr/fichier/3-CDCIGPBergamoteNancyQCOMUE042018.pdf


(1)  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.