National Pisco Day: Indecopi offers 5 key recommendations to recognize authentic products

In celebration of Peru's National Pisco Day, the National Institute for the Defense of Competition and the Protection of Intellectual Property (Indecopi) has issued five crucial recommendations to help consumers identify authentic Pisco and avoid adulterated products. Pisco, recognized as Peru's first denomination of origin on December 12, 1990, holds significant cultural and economic importance.

Indecopi advises consumers to meticulously examine the product label before purchasing. Key information to look for includes the "Denominación de Origen Pisco" designation, the authorization certificate number, the type of Pisco (puro, mosto verde, or acholado), the specific grape variety used, the valley of the producing winery, the harvest year, and the sanitary registration number.

Furthermore, the agency stresses the importance of verifying the packaging. Authentic Pisco is exclusively sold in properly sealed glass or ceramic bottles. Sales in plastic containers, canisters, tanks, or in bulk are prohibited. Consumers should also inspect the contents, ensuring the beverage is clear, clean, bright, and colorless, with no visible particles or cloudiness, which could indicate a non-compliant product.

Indecopi also recommends purchasing Pisco only from formal establishments and always requesting a proof of payment for added guarantee. Consumers are urged to be wary of imitations. The institute reiterated that Pisco production is geographically restricted to the coastal regions of Lima, Ica, Arequipa, and Moquegua, along with the valleys of Locumba, Sama, and Caplina in Tacna. Only the eight permitted Pisco grape varieties can be used, and the traditional production process, which prohibits the addition of water, sugar, or other additives, must be followed.