Life

Made in Limoges? Don't be a mug, French potters fume

September 16, 2018
A mug with a picture of French President Macron and the Elysee Palace logo to launch the presidential brand named ''Elysee Presidence de la Republique'' is seen in the courtyard of the Elysee Palace as part of the European Heritage Days event in Paris, France on Sunday. - Reuters
A mug with a picture of French President Macron and the Elysee Palace logo to launch the presidential brand named ''Elysee Presidence de la Republique'' is seen in the courtyard of the Elysee Palace as part of the European Heritage Days event in Paris, France on Sunday. - Reuters



LIMOGES - France's Elysee presidential palace moved swiftly Sunday to protect one of the nation's historic brands after discovering mugs stamped "Limoges porcelain" and destined for its souvenir shop were likely made in China. A spokesman said: "The Elysee will stop working with Mug in France," the company allegedly supplying fake products bearing the exclusive Limoges name. The mugs, which were to be sold at the palace shop, were not made in Limoges and most likely not even in France, according to experts. The branding faux pas piqued the ire of porcelain potters in Limoges in the central Haute-Vienne region who make some of the most expensive ceramics in the world. Alain Mouly, who heads the union of Limoges porcelain workers, said he was alerted to the problem at a meeting in late August. "I asked the audience who made these products and they all laughed. It has been a very long time since any potter here has made porcelain mugs," he said. "The product has become too dear, it doesn't sell and doesn't fit the profile of Limoges porcelain. Most of these mugs are now made in Asia." Limoges was built on porcelain, with production starting after 1768 when it was found to be a rich source of white kaolin clay, transforming the area into a major producer. But since December, only pottery which has been entirely made and decorated in the Haute-Vienne can carry the 'Limoges porcelain' stamp after the region was awarded the status of a protected geographical indication (IGP). - AFP


September 16, 2018
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