In the tea leaves

If there is a reason common to why Tirupati laddoos,Darjeeling tea,and Goa feni are epicurean delights,many would argue that it is because the air,soil and local peculiarities of their place of origin are key to the quality of the final product. At least that is the argument for granting Geographical Indication status to products a status that is akin to trademark,but where the distinction is not symbolism but geography. After the recent decision to grant Tirupati laddoos its sweetness apparently prescribed by the Central Food Technological Research Institute Mysore GI status,comes news that the European Union is considering granting GI status to Darjeeling tea.

Those against the very concept of Geographical Indications miss a simple point: place matters. The origin of a product does play a role in consumer choice. Darjeeling tea,with its unique fragrance and flavour,owes much to the Shiwalik Hills in the Lower Himalayas. Even if not playing a direct role in helping customers decide,there is the question of honesty. The French would argue that producing sparkling wine in California and calling it Champagne is plain misrepresentation it dilutes precisely what makes it different. The weavers of Benaras and Kancheevaram,for instance,would readily see the logic in that.

The EU has,for the moment,notified Darjeeling teas as eligible for GI status. Complainants have a six-month window after which GI status will be granted. This is welcome news,as it will protect a unique brand in the lucrative but highly competitive European market. The Indian government and our manufacturers must gear up for more such victories,and the government must assist our most valued products in enjoying the full range of intellectual property right protections at home and abroad.