GI Tag to Goa Cashew Feni

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    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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