A product becomes special when it is associated exclusively with a region. Think of Nagpur’s oranges or Kashmir’s Pashmina. These products gain their uniqueness due to the region they originate from and the characteristics and reputation they gain owing to that region. In such cases, it is important to identify and legally protect the unique identity of such products.
The Geographical Indication (GI) tags are made to do exactly this. These tags are not just limited to food and crafts, but also alcoholic beverages! Let’s understand more about the GI tags and the different GI-tagged alcoholic beverages in India.
What Is A GI Tag?
Think of it as a marker of intellectual property. A GI tag is sort of a trademark that identifies a product belonging to a specific region. This product must have special characteristics, qualities, and reputation based on the region it is from. This ‘trademark’ of sorts is given to products from a certain region instead of a certain company. Does that make it easier for you to understand?
When a product receives a GI tag, it receives legal protection. This means that only registered or authorized producers can use the tag. If an unauthorized party uses the GI tag, the registered parties can file an infringement lawsuit against them.
The aim and objective of a GI tag is to preserve the unique identity of traditional goods and crafts that are a tangible part of a region’s culture and heritage. This not only ensures authenticity but also legally safeguards products from being copied or sold under a different, unauthorized name.
The Darjeeling Tea from West Bengal was the first Indian product to receive a GI tag in 2004. Since then, more than 600 Indian products have been bestowed with a GI tag. Some of the notable GI tags are as follows:
- Muga Silk (Assam)
- Madhubani Paintings (Bihar)
- Kangra Tea (Himachal Pradesh)
- Mysore Silk (Karnataka)
- Kolhapuri Chappals (Maharashtra)
- Alphonso Mangoes (Maharashtra)
Do Alcoholic Beverages Get A GI Tag?
You must be thinking that GI tags are only offered for food products and handicrafts. However, alcoholic beverages also are eligible to receive GI tags, especially the ones with centuries of rich history. India has a rich history of producing liquor since ancient times, with many of its states crafting their unique liquor.
Globally, many kinds of liquor like Tequila from Mexico and Champagne from France have received the prestigious GI tags. However, India is not much behind in this race and has earned GI tags for a few of its alcoholic beverages.
GI Tagged Alcoholic Beverages In India
Alcohol during ancient times in India was mainly made by fermenting ingredients like fruits, flowers, or rice and barley over a certain period. It was then strained and served for consumption. Not just that, these alcoholic beverages were a significant part of local cultures –often consumed during weddings and important rituals.
Goa’s Feni is a liquor that received its GI tag in 2009. It was India’s first liquor to be given a GI tag. Feni is primarily made with cashews and is known for its milky-white appearance and slightly tangy taste.
Judima is the second alcoholic beverage in India to receive the tag. It is a rice wine made in Assam made from glutinous sticky rice called Bora. It is the first traditional drink from Northeast India to receive this honor. There are plenty of other drinks from this region that come with centuries of heritage and history.
Recently, the Indian Malt Whisky Association also appealed for a GI tag for Indian Single Malt Whisky and Pure Malt Whisky. This comes at a time when Indian whisky is gaining global recognition for its distinctive taste and aroma. However, the decision to grant a GI tag to the whisky is still pending.
There are many alcoholic beverages across India that are known for their distinct processes, taste, and identity that are unique to their region. Mahua, Lugdi, Toddy, Apong, etc are a few other alcoholic beverages that deserve their own GI tag. This will not only help them gain global recognition but also help preserve their dying legacies.
Summing Up
It’s high time that GI-tagged alcoholic beverages in India gain the recognition they truly deserve. With a rich legacy spanning over centuries, Indian liquor deserves local and global appreciation and conservation efforts. Which Indian liquor do you think deserves a GI tag next?
FAQs
What Is The Validity Of The GI Tag?
A GI tag is valid for 10 years. After 10 years, its validity can be renewed for another 10 years.
Which Is The First Indian GI Tag?
Darjeeling Tea (West Bengal) was the first Indian product to receive a GI tag.
Does Feni Have A GI Tag?
Yes, Feni has a GI tag. In fact, this drink from Goa is the first Indian alcoholic beverage to receive a GI tag.
