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GI Tag to Goa Cashew Feni

Posted on September 27, 2021 by admin1  868

In Context

  • Goa’s famed alcoholic beverage Feni has been granted geographical indication (GI) tag which gives local producers exclusive brand protection rights.  
    • The Goa government in 2016 classified Feni as the Heritage Spirit of Goa.

Goa Cashew Feni

  • Feni is a brew made from coconut or cashew fruits.
  • It is the first liquor product in the country to obtain ‘Heritage Drink’ status and got its GI certification in 2000. 
  • Feni was first manufactured in Goa in the 1600s, after the Portuguese imported the cashew plant from Brazil to India. There are currently 26 varieties of feni manufactured in Goa.
  • It is used in various cultural traditions, cuisines and is well known for its medicinal value also.
  • The two most popular types of feni are cashew feni and toddy palm feni, depending on the original ingredient; however, many other varieties are sold.
  • Cashew feni was awarded Geographical Indication registration in 2009 as a speciality alcoholic beverage from Goa.

Geographical Indication (GI) Certification

  • GI is an indication used to identify goods having special characteristics originating from a definite geographical territory.
  • It is used for agricultural, natural and manufactured goods.
  • The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.
  • It is also a part of the World Trade Organisation’s Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
  • The Controller General of Patents, Designs and TradeMarks  is the Registrar of Geographical Indications.
  • The Geographical Indications Registry is located at Chennai.
  • The registration of a geographical indication is valid for a period of 10 years.
  • It can be renewed from time to time for a further period of 10 years each.

Other GI-Tags from Goa

  • Khola red chilies/Canacona Chillies, spicy Harmal Chillies, Myndoli Banana or Moira Banana, and traditional sweet dish Goan Khaje.

Source: IE

 
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