Limoges porcelain granted protected status

Limoges' famous porcelain has been granted protected geographical status - which means that it can now only be produced in or near the southwestern city.

The recognition from the French National Institute of Intellectual Property ends years of fighting to achieve Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP) status for the centuries-old product.

The status means that none of the 30 companies, which employ about 1,200 people, cannot outsource aspects of production beyond the Haute-Vienne department - and is also intended to protect Limoges porcelain from products manufactured in north Africa which mimic the style but are sold for prices up to 30% lower than the genuine article.

Limoges became a centre of French porcelain production in the 18th century, as it has large deposits of the white clay kaolin, as well as quartz - which are both used in the manufacture of the pure-white, very strong and heat-resistant material. President Abraham Lincoln approved the purchase of Limoges porcelain as official State Dinner Service at the White House.