French potters in Limoges fume about fake products, possibly from China
Fake mugs stamped ‘Limoges porcelain’ were set to be sold in the Elysee presidential palace
France’s Elysee presidential palace moved swiftly on Saturday 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 palace will no longer sell any souvenirs made by the firm “Mug in France” which was 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.