IT'S ALL IN A KOUPA!
THE CYPRIOT STREET FOOD IS TO BE RECOGNISED!
A TRADITIONAL STREET FOOD
It is hoped that the humble Cypriot KOUPA, which has existed on the island for several years, will gain a new recognised European status. This comes on the back of a new registration campaign for the traditional street food to be formally recognised. The popularity of the Cyprus KOUPA, which is best described as Cyprus bulgur wheat pies filled with minced meat, has directly led to this campaign.
A NEW CAMPAIGN
The new campaign is being spearheaded by both the Larnaca Chamber of Commerce and the city’s tourism board. Both want to see Cyprus KOUPES added to Europe’s Protected Geographical Indications Register. Their efforts so far include a series of joint studies. These aim to identify the ‘special characteristics’ of the delightful little bulgar wheat tubes of minced meat. If accepted, the street food that is usually taken with lemon will gain a new recognised format that will, in turn, protect its status.
A GROWING LIST OF OTHER CYPRIOT PRODUCTS
THE PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS REGISTER
The Protected Geographical Indications register is a legal, public record of agricultural products. It not only offers protection but also a designated status for all of its entries. These include a whole range of unique products with specific qualities, reputation, and characteristics that are all attributable to their origin. Each product has to include at least one production step within its region of origin. Key registers include European eAmbrosia and the United Kingdom GI schemes. These both protect products from misuse and guarantee their authenticity.
