# Official Journal C 358/2015

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 358 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5830 October 2015 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 358

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5830 October 2015

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | IV   Notices |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | Council |
| 2015/C 358/01 | Council Decision of 30 October 2015 renewing the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training | 1 |
| 2015/C 358/02 | Notice for the attention of persons and entities subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2012/642/CFSP and in Council Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 concerning restrictive measures against Belarus | 2 |
| 2015/C 358/03 | Notice for the attention of the data subjects to whom the restrictive measures provided for in Council Regulation (EC) No 765/2006, as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1949 concerning restrictive measures against Belarus apply | 3 |
| | European Commission |
| 2015/C 358/04 | Euro exchange rates | 4 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2015/C 358/05 | Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries | 5 |

Notice No

Contents

page

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

2015/C 358/01

Council Decision of 30 October 2015 renewing the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training

1

2015/C 358/02

Notice for the attention of persons and entities subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2012/642/CFSP and in Council Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 concerning restrictive measures against Belarus

2

2015/C 358/03

Notice for the attention of the data subjects to whom the restrictive measures provided for in Council Regulation (EC) No 765/2006, as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1949 concerning restrictive measures against Belarus apply

3

European Commission

2015/C 358/04

Euro exchange rates

4

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2015/C 358/05

Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries

5

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| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2015/C 358/06 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.7736 — Magna/Stadco) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 6 |
| 2015/C 358/07 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.7808 — Bain Capital Investors/Autodistribution Group) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 7 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2015/C 358/08 | Publication of an application 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 | 8 |
| 2015/C 358/09 | Publication of an amendment application 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 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2015/C 358/06

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.7736 — Magna/Stadco) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

6

2015/C 358/07

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.7808 — Bain Capital Investors/Autodistribution Group) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

7

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2015/C 358/08

Publication of an application 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

8

2015/C 358/09

Publication of an amendment application 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

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| --- | --- |
| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance |

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

| EN | |
| --- | --- |

EN

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

| 30.10.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 358/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.10.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 358/1

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COUNCIL DECISION

of 30 October 2015

renewing the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training

(2015/C 358/01)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 337/75 of 10 February 1975 establishing the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, and in particular Article 4 thereof (1),

Having regard to the nominee submitted to the Council by the Commission as regards the employees' representatives,

Whereas:

| (1) | By its Decisions of 14 July 2015 (2) and of 14 September 2015 (3), the Council appointed the members of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the period from 18 September 2015 to 17 September 2018. However these Decisions did not include all of the members to be appointed, |
| --- | --- |

(1)

By its Decisions of 14 July 2015 (2) and of 14 September 2015 (3), the Council appointed the members of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the period from 18 September 2015 to 17 September 2018. However these Decisions did not include all of the members to be appointed,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

The following person is hereby appointed member of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the remainder of its term of office, which runs until 17 September 2018:

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EMPLOYEES' ORGANISATIONS:

| HUNGARY | Mr László KOZÁK |
| --- | --- |

HUNGARY

Mr László KOZÁK

Article 2

This Decision shall be published, for information, in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Done at Luxembourg, 30 October 2015.

For the Council

The President

F. ETGEN

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(1)  OJ L 39, 13.2.1975, p. 1.

1

(2)  OJ C 232, 16.7.2015, p. 2.

2

(3)  OJ C 305, 16.9.2015, p. 2.

3

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| 30.10.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 358/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.10.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 358/2

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Notice for the attention of persons and entities subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2012/642/CFSP and in Council Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 concerning restrictive measures against Belarus

(2015/C 358/02)

The following information is brought to the attention of the persons and entities designated in the Annex to Council Decision 2012/642/CFSP (1), as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/1957 (2), and in Annex I to Council Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 (3), as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1949 (4) concerning restrictive measures against Belarus.

The Council of the European Union, after having reviewed the list of persons and entities designated in the abovementioned Annexes, has determined that the restrictive measures provided for in Decision 2012/642/CFSP and Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 should continue to apply to those persons and entities. The grounds for designations of those persons and entities appear in the relevant entries in those Annexes.

The attention of the persons and entities 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 (EC) No 765/2006, in order to obtain an authorisation to use frozen funds for basic needs or specific payments (cf. Article 3 of the Regulation).

However, the persons and entities included in Annex II to Decision 2012/642/CFSP, as amended by Decision (CFSP) 2015/1957, and in Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 765/2006, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2015/1949, are hereby informed that the measures referred to in Articles 3(1) and 4 of Decision 2012/642/CFSP and Article 2(1) and (2) of Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 have been suspended as far as they apply to them.

The persons and entities concerned may submit a request to the Council before 31 December 2015, together with supporting documentation that the decision to include them on the abovementioned list should be reconsidered, to the following address:

| Council of the European Union |
| --- |
| General Secretariat |
| DG C 1C |
| Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175 |
| 1048 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |
| Email: sanctions@consilium.europa.eu |

Council of the European Union

General Secretariat

DG C 1C

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 periodic review, pursuant to Article 8(2) of Decision 2012/642/CFSP and Article 8a(4) of Regulation (EC) No 765/2006, of the list of designated persons and entities.

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(1)  OJ L 285, 17.10.2012, p. 1.

(2)  OJ L 284, 30.10.2015, p. 149.

(3)  OJ L 134, 20.5.2006, p. 1.

(4)  OJ L 284, 30.10.2015, p. 71.

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| 30.10.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 358/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.10.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 358/3

---

Notice for the attention of the data subjects to whom the restrictive measures provided for in Council Regulation (EC) No 765/2006, as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1949 concerning restrictive measures against Belarus apply

(2015/C 358/03)

The attention of data subjects is drawn to the following information in accordance with Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1):

The legal basis for this processing operation is Council Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 (2), as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1949 (3).

The controller of this processing operation is the Council of the European Union represented by the Director-General of DG C (Foreign Affairs, Enlargement, Civil Protection) of the General Secretariat of the Council and the department entrusted with the processing operation is the Unit 1C of DG C that can be contacted at:

| Council of the European Union |
| --- |
| General Secretariat |
| DG C 1C |
| Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175 |
| 1048 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |
| Email: sanctions@consilium.europa.eu |

Council of the European Union

General Secretariat

DG C 1C

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Email: sanctions@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 Regulation (EC) No 765/2006, as implemented by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1949.

The data subjects are the natural persons who fulfil listing criteria as laid down in that Regulation.

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 provided for in Article 20(1)(a) and (d) of Regulation (EC) No 45/2001, requests for access, as well as requests for rectification or objection will be answered in accordance with Section 5 of Council Decision 2004/644/EC (4).

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 asset freeze or the validity of the measure has expired, or for the duration of court proceedings in the event they had been started.

Data subjects may have recourse to the European Data Protection Supervisor in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 45/2001.

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(1)  OJ L 8, 12.1.2001, p. 1.

(2)  OJ L 134, 20.5.2006, p. 1.

(3)  OJ L 284, 30.10.2015, p. 71.

(4)  OJ L 296, 21.9.2004, p. 16.

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European Commission

| 30.10.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 358/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.10.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 358/4

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Euro exchange rates (1)

29 October 2015

(2015/C 358/04)

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,0930 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 132,30 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4576 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,71670 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,3574 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,0851 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 9,3670 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 27,113 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 311,45 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,2699 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,4343 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 3,2100 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,5446 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4411 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 8,4709 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,6360 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,5374 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 251,76 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 15,1247 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 6,9460 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,6050 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 14 953,22 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,7414 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 51,420 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 70,0745 |
| THB | Thai baht | 38,991 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 4,3022 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 18,1941 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 71,4429 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,0930

JPY

Japanese yen

132,30

DKK

Danish krone

7,4576

GBP

Pound sterling

0,71670

SEK

Swedish krona

9,3574

CHF

Swiss franc

1,0851

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

9,3670

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

27,113

HUF

Hungarian forint

311,45

PLN

Polish zloty

4,2699

RON

Romanian leu

4,4343

TRY

Turkish lira

3,2100

AUD

Australian dollar

1,5446

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4411

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

8,4709

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,6360

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,5374

KRW

South Korean won

1 251,76

ZAR

South African rand

15,1247

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

6,9460

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,6050

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

14 953,22

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,7414

PHP

Philippine peso

51,420

RUB

Russian rouble

70,0745

THB

Thai baht

38,991

BRL

Brazilian real

4,3022

MXN

Mexican peso

18,1941

INR

Indian rupee

71,4429

---

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

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NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 30.10.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 358/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.10.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 358/5

---

Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries

(2015/C 358/05)

In accordance with Article 35(3) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 of 20 November 2009 establishing a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy (1), a decision has been taken to close the fishery as set down in the following table:

| Date and time of closure | 1.10.2015 |
| --- | --- |
| Duration | 1.10-31.12.2015 |
| Member State | Ireland |
| Stock or Group of stocks | WHG/56-14. |
| Species | Whiting (Merlangius merlangus) |
| Zone | VI; Union and international waters of Vb; international waters of XII and XIV |
| Type(s) of fishing vessels | — |
| Reference number | 52/TQ104 |

Date and time of closure

1.10.2015

Duration

1.10-31.12.2015

Member State

Ireland

Stock or Group of stocks

WHG/56-14.

Species

Whiting (Merlangius merlangus)

Zone

VI; Union and international waters of Vb; international waters of XII and XIV

Type(s) of fishing vessels

—

Reference number

52/TQ104

---

(1)  OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 1.

---

V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 30.10.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 358/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.10.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 358/6

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.7736 — Magna/Stadco)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2015/C 358/06)

| 1. | On 23 October 2015, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Magna International Inc. (‘Magna’ of Canada) will acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control of Stadco Automotive Limited (‘Stadco’ of UK) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 23 October 2015, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Magna International Inc. (‘Magna’ of Canada) will acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control of Stadco Automotive Limited (‘Stadco’ of UK) by way of purchase of shares.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:
  —   for Magna: design, developing and manufacturing of automotive systems, assemblies, modules and components, and engineering and assembling of complete vehicles, primarily for sale to original equipment manufacturers of cars and light trucks,
  —   for Stadco: manufacturing of steel and aluminium automotive components for a vehicle’s body structure, e.g. door inners, hood assemblies, floors. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—   for Magna: design, developing and manufacturing of automotive systems, assemblies, modules and components, and engineering and assembling of complete vehicles, primarily for sale to original equipment manufacturers of cars and light trucks,

—   for Stadco: manufacturing of steel and aluminium automotive components for a vehicle’s body structure, e.g. door inners, hood assemblies, floors.

| 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 this Notice. |
| --- | --- |

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 this 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. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number M.7736 — Magna/Stadco, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

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. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number M.7736 — Magna/Stadco, to the following 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.

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| 30.10.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 358/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.10.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 358/7

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.7808 — Bain Capital Investors/Autodistribution Group)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2015/C 358/07)

| 1. | On 21 October 2015, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Bain Capital Investors, LLC of the United States of America (‘Bain Capital’) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of Autodis Group SAS of France (‘Autodis’) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 21 October 2015, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Bain Capital Investors, LLC of the United States of America (‘Bain Capital’) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of Autodis Group SAS of France (‘Autodis’) by way of purchase of shares.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:






  — | Bain Capital is a private equity investment firm that invests, through its family of funds, in companies across most industries, including information technology, healthcare, retail and consumer products, communications, financial and industrial/manufacturing, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

Bain Capital is a private equity investment firm that invests, through its family of funds, in companies across most industries, including information technology, healthcare, retail and consumer products, communications, financial and industrial/manufacturing,

| — | Autodis is a distributor of aftermarket spare parts for light vehicles and trucks to the independent aftermarket segment in particular in France and Poland. |
| --- | --- |

—

Autodis is a distributor of aftermarket spare parts for light vehicles and trucks to the independent aftermarket segment in particular in France and Poland.

| 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 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 this Notice. |
| --- | --- |

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 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 this 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. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number M.7808 — Bain Capital/Autodistribution Group, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

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. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number M.7808 — Bain Capital/Autodistribution Group, to the following 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.

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OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 30.10.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 358/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.10.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 358/8

---

Publication of an application 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

(2015/C 358/08)

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

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘POLJIČKI SOPARNIK’/‘POLJIČKI ZELJANIK’/‘POLJIČKI ULJENJAK’

EU No: HR-PGI-0005-01224-8.5.2014

PDO ( ) PGI ( X )

1.   Names

‘Poljički soparnik’/‘Poljički zeljanik’/‘Poljički uljenjak’

2.   Member State or Third Country

Croatia

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 product

‘Poljički soparnik’/‘Poljički zeljanik’/‘Poljički uljenjak’ is a bakery product produced from finely ground wheat flour, chard, red onion, olive oil and blended oil (olive oil and sunflower oil in a ratio of 1:1), garlic, salt and water. The final product is a rolled-out dough in the shape of a round loaf that is filled with chard and red onion known as ‘kapula’ (a term that is used in common speech in the defined geographical area) and baked in a red hot, open hearth known as a ‘komin’ (a term that is used in common speech in the defined geographical area) in a bed of coals covered with ash.

It is round in shape and has a diameter of 90 cm to 110 cm. The surface is coated with olive oil and crushed or finely chopped garlic. After baking and coating, it is cut into pieces called ‘fete’ (sg. ‘feta’; a term that is used in common speech in the defined geographical area) that are shaped like a rhomboid and known as ‘pašajice’ (sg. ‘pašajica’; a term that is used in common speech in the defined geographical area).

Organoleptic characteristics:

Scent: the baked dough has the scent of wood burnt on an open fire and of garlic;

Taste: the product tastes of chard, olive oil and garlic;

Colour: light yellow to light green.

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

The raw materials for the production of ‘Poljički soparnik’/‘Poljički zeljanik’/‘Poljički uljenjak’ are finely ground wheat flour, chard, red onion, olive oil and blended oil (olive oil and sunflower oil in a ratio of 1:1), garlic, salt and water.

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

The process of producing ‘Poljički soparnik’/‘Poljički zeljanik’/‘Poljički uljenjak’, from the preparation of the dough and the addition of the filling to baking, must be entirely carried out in the geographical area indicated in point 4.

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

The product ‘Poljički soparnik’/‘Poljički zeljanik’/‘Poljički uljenjak’ must be cut with a particularly rounded knife (the middle of the knife has a rounded blade) into pieces called ‘fete’ that are shaped like a rhomboid and known as ‘pašajice’.

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

When the baker's product ‘Poljički soparnik’/‘Poljički zeljanik’/‘Poljički uljenjak’ is placed on the market it must bear the common symbol ‘Poljički soparnik’/‘Poljički zeljanik’/‘Poljički uljenjak’. All users of the indication which place products on the market that comply with the product specification are entitled to use the common symbol on equal terms.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The geographical area of Poljica is delimited in the north-east by the river Cetina, in the west by the river Žrnovnica and in the south by the Adriatic Sea.

Poljica comprise Lower, Central and Upper Poljica. Lower Poljica comprise the localities of Podstrana, Jesenice and Zakučac. Central Poljica comprise Žrnovnica, Tugare, Dubrava, Gata, Čišla, Naklice, Zvečanje, Ostrvica, Kostanje, Podgrađe, Sitno Donje, Sitno Gornje, Srinjine and Seoca. Upper Poljica comprise Donji Dolac, Gornji Dolac, Srijane and Trnbusi.

5.   Link with the geographical area

The protection of the product ‘Poljički soparnik’/‘Poljički zeljanik’/‘Poljički uljenjak’ is based on a long tradition of production, and its distinctive reputation has been maintained down to the present day. ‘Poljički soparnik’/‘Poljički zeljanik’/‘Poljički uljenjak’ is a baker's product served at ceremonies and feasts which comes from the area of the former Poljica Republic and whose production dates back to the period of the Turkish raids of the coastal strip and the Dalmatian Zagora (Z. Šimunović-Petrić, 1992, Ethnologica Dalmatica, pp. 95–99). It can be inferred from the stories passed down through the generations and from the old records available that ‘Poljički soparnik’/‘Poljički zeljanik’/‘Poljički uljenjak’ was a product intended for the poor.

The territory of Poljica is a markedly karstic area characterised by shallow soil, extreme heat and drought, insufficient precipitation and very little arable land, where the population has always produced agricultural products, especially cereals and vegetables, which used to be its staple foods.

The harsh conditions in the rocky area of Poljica, which meant that very few crops were grown there, and the poverty of the population led the women of Poljica known as ‘stopanjice’ (sg. ‘stopanjica’), with their inventiveness and skill, to start making ‘Poljički soparnik’/‘Poljički zeljanik’/‘Poljički uljenjak’ from the simple vegetable crops that were available to them (chard, red onions and garlic), olive oil and flour.

The whole process of preparing and producing ‘Poljički soparnik’/‘Poljički zeljanik’/‘Poljički uljenjak’ is the result of the local population's special skill and know-how in preparing and producing the product and of the tradition that has been passed down through the generations and nurtured in the defined geographical area.

All steps in the production of ‘Poljički soparnik’/‘Poljički zeljanik’/‘Poljički uljenjak’ are carried out only manually. The steps and particular skills described below, for which the locals' knowledge is critical, differ from the usual steps of preparation: the women fold back the upper and lower pieces of dough by hand and join them together so that the filling remains inside. Before the baking begins, the women must very carefully transfer ‘Poljički soparnik’/‘Poljički zeljanik’/‘Poljički uljenjak’ by hand from the wooden board called ‘sinija’ to the hearth known as ‘komin’, which requires a special skill. Since it is very thin, ‘Poljički soparnik’/‘Poljički zeljanik’/‘Poljički uljenjak’, if transferred too hastily or without proper care, could become deformed, i.e. it would lose its distinctive shape.

The way in which ‘Poljički soparnik’/‘Poljički zeljanik’/‘Poljički uljenjak’ is prepared nowadays and its ingredients and the traditional utensils used to make it are the same as in former times, as described by Ivanišević in his 1906 book (F. Ivanišević, Poljica narodni život i običaji, 2006, reprint of the 1906 edition, pp. 72, 93–94).

Its reputation is partly based on the skill and know-how needed to cut ‘Poljički soparnik’/‘Poljički zeljanik’/‘Poljički uljenjak’ into the shape of ‘pašajice’ so as to produce ‘fete’ that distinguish the product when it is served. The specific way of cutting this product is handed down from one generation to the next, which protects the product from being forgotten, and is another factor that makes it recognisable.

The special reputation of the product's name and its long tradition of production are shown by the inclusion in 2007 of ‘Poljički soparnik’/‘Poljički zeljanik’/‘Poljički uljenjak’ on the List of protected intangible cultural treasures of the Republic of Croatia, which is kept by the Ministry of Culture, and by the fact that it is considered to be part of the Croatian cultural heritage (Decision of the Ministry of Culture, 2007).

‘Poljički soparnik’/‘Poljički zeljanik’/‘Poljički uljenjak’ has gone from being a food for the poor to a product that is increasingly sought after by consumers, especially on important feast days, on Christmas Eve and in Lent when fasting foods are traditionally eaten (Poljica, List Poljičkog dekanata, 1975, pp. 41–43).

The name which is most frequently used on the market and in common speech nowadays is ‘Poljički soparnik’ and as such it is the most widely known name, but the names ‘Poljički zeljanik’ and ‘Poljički uljenjak’ are also used, mostly by the inhabitants of the Poljica area. The reputation that ‘Poljički soparnik’/‘Poljički zeljanik’/‘Poljički uljenjak’ still enjoys today is demonstrated by the fact that its name and preparation are mentioned in the specialist gastronomy review ‘Dobra hrana’, in which recipes for the preparation of traditional products are published (Dobra hrana review, supplement to the Jutarnji list newspaper, Issue 37, 2014).

The product ‘Poljički soparnik’/‘Poljički zeljanik’/‘Poljički uljenjak’ was also a subject covered by the popular television cooking programme ‘Tri, dva, jedan- kuhaj!’ (http://www.rtl.hr/archive/tri-dva-jedan-kuhaj/recepti/1155655/soparnik-prastaro-jelo-jos-iz-vremena-turaka/) on RTL, which is further evidence of the reputation that the product enjoys in the Republic of Croatia.

The specific reference to ‘Poljički soparnik’/‘Poljički zeljanik’/‘Poljički uljenjak’ particularly came to the fore in the 1990s when cultural-artistic and trade events were organised in the territory of Poljica. One of these events is the Omiš summer festival, which is held every year under the title Culture and customs of Poljica ‘Poljički soparnik’/‘Poljički zeljanik’/‘Poljički uljenjak’, and at which this product is baked in the traditional way, with a special jury assessing its appearance and taste and awarding prizes to the best products (Ljetni festival XXIV Omiško ljeto, Kultura i običaji Poljica‘Poljički soparnik’/‘Poljički zeljanik’/‘Poljički uljenjak’, 2013).

Reference to publication of the product specification

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

http://www.mps.hr/UserDocsImages/HRANA/SOPARNIK/Izmijenjena%20Specifikacija%20proizvoda-soparnik.pdf

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(1)  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.

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| 30.10.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 358/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.10.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 358/11

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Publication of an amendment application 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

(2015/C 358/09)

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

APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION OF A PROTECTED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN/PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION WHICH IS NOT MINOR

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

‘OLIVE DE NÎMES’

EU No: FR-PDO-0105-01284 – 21.11.2014

PDO ( X ) PGI ( )

1.   Applicant group and legitimate interest

| Syndicat des AOP Olive et Huile d’Olive de Nîmes |
| --- |
| Mas de l’Agriculture - 1120 Route de Saint Gilles |
| 30 900 Nîmes |
| FRANCE |
| Tel. +33 466045034 |
| Fax: +33 466045031 |
| E-mail: olive.nimes@orange.fr |

Syndicat des AOP Olive et Huile d’Olive de Nîmes

Mas de l’Agriculture - 1120 Route de Saint Gilles

30 900 Nîmes

FRANCE

Tel. +33 466045034

Fax: +33 466045031

E-mail: olive.nimes@orange.fr

Le Syndicat des AOP Olive et Huile d’Olive de Nîmes is made up of olive producers and processors of the ‘Olive de Nîmes’ and it has a legitimate interest in submitting an amendment application.

2.   Member State or Third Country

France

3.   Headings in the specification affected by the amendment(s)

| — | ☐ | Product name |
| --- | --- | --- |
| — | ☒ | Product description |
| — | ☒ | Geographical area |
| — | ☒ | Proof of origin |
| — | ☒ | Production method |
| — | ☐ | Link |
| — | ☒ | Labelling |
| — | ☒ | Other: inspection |

—

☐

Product name

—

☒

Product description

—

☒

Geographical area

—

☒

Proof of origin

—

☒

Production method

—

☐

Link

—

☒

Labelling

—

☒

Other: inspection

4.   Type of amendment(s)

| — | ☒ | Amendment to the product specifications of a registered PDO or PGI not to be regarded as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012. |
| --- | --- | --- |
| — | ☐ | Amendment to the product specifications of a registered PDO or PGI for which a Single Document (or equivalent) has not been published and which cannot be regarded as minor within the meaning of the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012. |

—

☒

Amendment to the product specifications of a registered PDO or PGI not to be regarded as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

—

☐

Amendment to the product specifications of a registered PDO or PGI for which a Single Document (or equivalent) has not been published and which cannot be regarded as minor within the meaning of the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

5.   Amendment(s)

Product description

Further details to describe the smooth skin and firm texture of the ‘Olive de Nîmes’ have been added to the description based on the provisions of the initial decree recognising the PDO.

The crunchiness of the ‘Olive de Nîmes’ (above 3 on the International Olive Council - IOC scale) has been added to better describe the product’s specific characteristics.

Geographical area

How the parcels are identified has been added to the specifications. The list of operations that take place within the geographical area, unamended since the recognition of the designation at national level, has been reiterated.

Proof of origin

Owing to developments in national legislation and regulations, the text under the heading ‘Evidence that the product originates from the defined geographical area’ has been consolidated to bring together, in particular, provisions on declaration requirements and the keeping of registers for tracing the product and monitoring the production conditions.

That section has also been extended to include several provisions on registers and declaration documents, enabling traceability to be guaranteed and ensuring that product compliance with the specification requirements is monitored.

Method of production

Apart from purely formal changes, the specifications have been amended with regard to the following:

Planting density: provisions stating that the minimum planting density is 24 m2 per tree (‘this area is obtained by multiplying the two inter-row distances and the space between trees’) have been added in order to clarify the provision and monitor compliance. A clarification has been added concerning trees that suffered the 1956 frost, taking into account the regrowth and coppicing that took place after the frost and led to multi-trunk trees. In that case, the distance between trees may be less than 4 metres.

Pruning: the provision on the disposal of pruning debris has been removed, since, depending on the disposal methods used, pruning debris may be crushed on the spot instead of being removed from the parcel.

Yield: The provision concerning yield overruns and reductions has been removed as such an exemption is no longer considered appropriate.

Harvesting: In order to simplify administrative procedures, the date when harvesting begins shall henceforth be set by the Director of the INAO instead of by interministerial order. The wording regarding the age when the trees start producing has also been amended: in order to clarify the provision for inspection purposes, it is stated that the trees must have been planted on the parcel for five years, rather than being five years of age.

The provision stating that olives collected from the ground must be kept separately from the batches of olives that can be used for the designation has been removed. This deletion does not affect the harvest conditions since the specifications require the olives to be picked from the tree.

Storing the olives: an additional requirement concerning the delivery time between the harvest and reception by the processing plant has been added (48 hours), as has the maximum time the olives can be stored between when they are received by the processing plant and when they are processed (48 hours). This wording is more precise than the current specifications (4 days of which 2 days maximum between harvest and delivery to the processing plant) and therefore facilitates checks. The description of the boxes used to harvest the olives has been changed from ‘à claire-voie’ [crates] to ‘caisses ajourées’ [open boxes], for reasons of clarity.

Processing conditions: a definition of a bruised olive has been added to the text: ‘abnormal colour, skin abnormality that does not affect the flesh’. The reference to wrinkled olives has been deleted as it appeared twice.

Preserving and packing the olives: the maximum content of 8 kg in drained net weight has not been changed but the maximum gross equivalent weight has been added, namely 12,5 kg.

Labelling

The content of the labelling which relates specifically to the designation has been brought into line with Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012: addition of a requirement to affix the European Union PDO symbol and the words ‘appellation d’origine protégée’ [‘protected designation of origin’] or ‘AOP’ [‘PDO’] instead of the national terms.

Other: inspection

In the light of changes to national legislation and rules, the section entitled ‘National requirements’ now contains a table indicating the main points to be checked, their reference values and the evaluation methods to be used.

The contact details of the authority responsible for carrying out checks are given instead of the details of the control body, so as to avoid having to change the specifications should the latter change.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘OLIVE DE NÎMES’

EU No: FR-PDO-0105-01284 – 21.11.2014

PDO ( X ) PGI ( )

1.   Name(s)

‘Olive de Nîmes’

2.   Member State or Third Country

Member State or Third Country

France

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Type of product

Class 1.6: Fruit, vegetables and cereals, fresh or processed

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

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

The ‘Olive de Nîmes’ is a whole olive with a clear green colour, characterised by a smooth skin and firm texture, without a stalk and exclusively of the Picholine variety. The olive is neither crushed nor damaged.

The olives are debittered by macerating them in an alkaline solution of potash or soda, of a density of not more than 1 032. After soaking until the olives have been partly debittered, the alkaline solution is replaced with clean drinking water to rinse them. The olives are then placed in sea salt brine.

The olives are characteristically crisp (or crunchy within the meaning of the IOC), above 3 on the IOC scale. They are juicy with a distinctive buttery and hazelnut flavour and a salty taste.

The minimum size corresponds to a maximum of 34 fruits per 100 grams.

Batches must be of uniform colour and size.

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

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

—

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

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

Every stage of the process, from growing the olives to processing them into olive oil, must take place within the defined geographical area.

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

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

The olives must be packed within the geographical area in containers holding a maximum of 8 kg (net drained weight).

Packing must take place within the area because the ‘Olive de Nîmes’ is a fragile fruit and handling must be limited. It is vulnerable to knocks (because it marks easily) and differences in temperature that can occur during transport.

This requirement helps maintain the look of the olive and protect it as well as ensuring better traceability.

The ‘Olive de Nîmes’ is preserved in one of the following manners: by chilling, increasing the concentration of salt in the brine, pasteurisation or storage in inert gas or a protective atmosphere.

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

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

In addition to the compulsory information provided for by legislation on the labelling and presentation of foodstuffs, Protected Designation of Origin ‘Olive de Nîmes’ labels must include the following:

| — | the name of the designation ‘Olive de Nîmes’; |
| --- | --- |

—

the name of the designation ‘Olive de Nîmes’;

| — | the statement: ‘appellation d’origine protégée’ (‘protected designation of origin’). |
| --- | --- |

—

the statement: ‘appellation d’origine protégée’ (‘protected designation of origin’).

These details must all be in the same field of vision and on the same label.

They must be indicated in conspicuous, clearly legible and indelible characters of a sufficient size to stand out from the label on which they are printed so as to be clearly distinguishable from all other written or graphic information;

| — | the European Union PDO logo. |
| --- | --- |

—

the European Union PDO logo.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

Concise definition of the geographical area

The geographical production area of the ‘Olive de Nîmes’ covers the olive production area of Gard and the eastern part of that of Hérault, except for the Causses, the mountains of the Cévennes and the Camargue.

Its natural borders are the Rhône river to the east and the Camargue region to the south. The northern border is a climatic one, the line up to which Picholine can be grown. To the north-east it follows the border of the Department of Gard (garrigue massifs at an altitude of more than 300 metres). To the west, the border goes beyond the Vidourle Valley and follows a line of wooded peaks from Ganges to Pic St Loup and le Lez.

The production area covers 223 municipalities, 183 in Gard and 40 in Hérault.

The olives are harvested and processed in the geographical area, which covers the territory of the following cantons and municipalities:

Department of Gard:

Department of Gard:

All the municipalities of the following cantons: Aramon, Lédignan, Marguerittes, Nîmes, Quissac, Saint-Chaptes, Saint-Mamert-du-Gard, Sommières and La Vistrenque.

All the municipalities of the following cantons

The municipalities of the following cantons: Anduze (except for the municipalities Générargues and Saint-Sébastien-d’Aigrefeuille), Remoulins (except for the municipalities Pouzilhac and Valliguières), Rhôny-Vidourle (except for the municipalities Aimargues and le Cailar), Sauve (except for the municipality Fressac), Uzès (except for the municipality La Capelle-et-Masmolène), Vézénobres (except for the municipality Brouzet-les-Alès).

The municipalities of the following cantons

The following municipalities: Alès; part of Allègre-les-Fumades; Aubord; part of Beaucaire; part of Bellegarde; Belvezet; Bernis; Bouquet; Conqueyrac; Fons-sur-Lussan; Fontarèches; Générac; part of Goudargues; Jonquières-Saint-Vincent; La Bruguière; La Cadière-et-Cambo; Lussan; Méjannes-Les-Alès; Mons; Rochefort-du-Gard; Saint-Christol-les-Alès; part of Saint-Gilles; Saint-Hilaire-de-Brethmas; Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort; Saint-Laurent-la-Vernède; Saint-Privat-des-Vieux; Saze; Vallérargues; part of Vauvert; part of Verfeuil.

The following municipalities

Department of Hérault:

Department of Hérault:

The municipalities of the following cantons: Castries (except for the municipality Jacou); Claret (except for the municipality Ferrières-les-Verrerie); Lunel (except for the municipalities Marsillargues, Saint-Just and Saint-Nazaire-de-Pézan);

The municipalities of the following cantons

The following municipalities: Les Matelles, Moules-et-Baucels, Saint-Bauzille-de-Montmel, Sainte-Croix-de-Quintillargues, Saint-Jean-de-Cuculles, Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers and Saint-Vincent-de-Barbeyrargues.

The following municipalities

A map delineating the boundaries of the geographical area has been lodged with the municipal authorities of the partly covered municipalities. A map of these municipalities is available on the website of the competent national authority in line with the requirements of the INSPIRE Directive.

5.   Link with the geographical area

Link with the geographical area

5.1.   Specificity of the geographical area

Specificity of the geographical area

The production area is characterised by hills and slopes, generally lower than 350 metres in altitude. The ground is chalky for the most part and not particularly fertile. The climate is Mediterranean with very dry summers and heavy rainfall in autumn. The region is affected by winds, particularly the mistral from the north, and can be subject to harsh winters.

The ‘Olive de Nîmes’ has been cultivated in this production area since the 18th century as a table olive, and originates from Collias, a municipality in the geographical area for this designation.

Subsequently, the name Picholine was given to a type of olive tree selected from the Plant de Collias variety, which is particularly suited to the Piccolini method of debittering introduced at the time, which involves selecting the finest, firmest olives suitable for this method from the tree.

In the second half of the 19th century, chemists developed sodium hydroxide, making it possible to debitter olives in greater quantities, thus encouraging the establishment of ‘industrial’ preserving plants.

The olives’ delicious taste and the botanical qualities of the tree have contributed to the spread of the Picholine beyond its place of origin.

Nevertheless, Gard still produces more green Picholine olives than any other department. This is undoubtedly because the hardiness of the Picholine variety makes it perfectly suited to the soil and climate conditions of the designation’s production region. In the Nîmes basin, where the variety originated, the majority of trees are of the Picholine variety, while other local varieties can be found in the Cévennes foothills. In Collias and the surrounding villages, Picholine trees of more than 200 years old can be seen.

The ‘Olive de Nîmes’ is harvested and prepared in the Picholine's area of origin. The olives are picked by hand while they are still green in groves with trees trained to grow in low rows. They are then prepared using the traditional method of reduced lactic fermentation, i.e. whole olives are macerated in an alkaline solution of potash or soda of a density of not more than 1 032.

After soaking until the olives have been partly debittered, the alkaline solution is replaced with clean drinking water.

The olives are then placed in sea salt brine of a maximum density of 1 060. The use of citric acid and lactic acid is permitted to reduce the pH of the brine to 4.7.

5.2.   Specificity of the product

Specificity of the product

The ‘Olive de Nîmes’ is characterised by:

| — | a clear green colour; |
| --- | --- |

—

a clear green colour;

| — | a characteristically crunchy texture; |
| --- | --- |

—

a characteristically crunchy texture;

| — | a buttery and hazelnut flavour; |
| --- | --- |

—

a buttery and hazelnut flavour;

| — | a pronounced saltiness but that does not mask the flavours. |
| --- | --- |

—

a pronounced saltiness but that does not mask the flavours.

It is sold to final consumers in brine or vacuum packed, in batches of homogeneous colour and size.

5.3.   Causal link between the geographical area and the quality or characteristics of the product (for PDO) or a specific quality, the reputation or other characteristic of the product (for PGI)

Causal link between the geographical area and the quality or characteristics of the product (for PDO) or a specific quality, the reputation or other characteristic of the product (for PGI)

Know-how regarding grove management and processing has been passed down during the long history of olive production in the geographical area.

The ‘olive de Nîmes’ of the Picholine variety copes well with the cold winter weather and is sufficiently strongly attached to withstand the strong autumn winds.

The constraints imposed by the natural environment have given rise to a characteristic method of training the trees: the trees are traditionally kept short, both to facilitate the green harvesting of table olives and to withstand the strong wind.

Harvesting is mainly carried out by hand: as the olives are well attached to the stem, Picholine olive groves are ill suited to mechanical harvesting which could damage the fruit. The configuration of traditional olive groves (small area, presence of low walls, and often limited accessibility) is also not suited to mechanisation.

The olives are prepared using the traditional method of reduced lactic fermentation where the olives are partially debittered, i.e. the process is arrested before the solution reaches the stone.

This type of fermentation is traditionally used in the area to preserve the colour of the fruit, its particular flavour and its crunchiness, without any tartness.

The cultivation of this olive has overcome many difficulties, but because the variety is so well adapted to the soil and people are attached to this original product and because of the know-how of local olive preservers, the Olive de Nîmes has endured and is now regaining popularity among both producers and consumers.

Reference to publication of the specifications

Reference to publication of the specifications

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

https://www.inao.gouv.fr/fichier/CDCOliveDeNimes2015.pdf

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(1)  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.

1

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