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 is best described as a tube of bulgur wheat filled with minced meat, in the future will gain a new recognised European status. As a result, a new registration campaign, which is to pave the way for the traditional street food to be recognised, is being spearheaded by both the Larnaca Chamber of Commerce and the city’s tourism board. They both want to see Cyprus KOUPES added to the register, and their efforts so far include a series of joint studies. These studies aim to identify the ‘special characteristics’ of the delightful little tubes of minced meat that have existed on the island for several years.
A NEW CAMPAIGN
The popularity of Cyprus KOUPES has directly led to the campaign to have them formally recognised by the European Union. The campaign hopes to pave the way for it to be registered by the Protected Geographical Indications Register. If accepted onto the register, Cyprus KOUPES would join a growing list of other Cypriot products that are already registered. These include Cypriot rosewater, a selection of different spirits, HALLOUMI and various other Cypriot cheeses.
THE PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS REGISTER
The Protected Geographical Indications Register also currently includes several unique delicacies from across the European Union. It not only offers protection but also a designated status for all of its entries. This means the street food that is usually taken with lemon will gain a new recognised format that will then protect its status if it is successfully registered.
