FMCG in the Spotlight: EU’s Fight Against Counterfeits

EUIPO and OLAF brought together enforcement experts to strengthen cooperation and protect consumers from IP crime in everyday goods.

Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) — everything from packaged food and soft drinks to toiletries and household cleaners — are a major part of Europe’s economy. In 2022 alone, FMCG products worth over €700 billion were sold within the EU. But with that scale comes vulnerability: the sector has become a key target for counterfeiters. Fake products not only cause major financial losses but can also pose serious health and safety risks to consumers, especially when they bypass EU quality standards.

On 1–2 July 2025, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) co-hosted a two-day conference in Alicante, Spain, focusing on IP crime in the FMCG sector. More than 50 participants from customs, police, market surveillance authorities, and industry came together to discuss new threats, share best practices, and explore ways to improve detection and enforcement. The conference also strengthened cross-border cooperation and encouraged greater alignment between EU institutions and rights holders — with the shared goal of keeping consumers and markets safe.

 
Counterfeit goods do more than harm brands — they undermine innovation, threaten jobs, and in some cases, endanger public health. Conferences like this one show how coordinated, practical efforts across the EU can make a real difference. As IP crime continues to evolve, strong partnerships between public bodies and industry will be essential.

? Need guidance on protecting your brand or products in the EU? Our legal team can help you navigate IP enforcement and compliance. Get in touch to start a conversation.

Text:‘ EUIPO – OLAF Conference on Fast-Moving Consumer Goods’. EUIPO, https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/news/euipo-olaf-conference-on-fast-moving-consumer-goods. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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