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Today, on September 24, 2019, an exhibition and tasting of goods protected by Georgian and foreign geographical indications opened the International Conference on Geographical Indications, organized by the National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia (Sakpatenti) and OriGIn – the Global Alliance of Geographical Indications. For several days, Georgia as the host country of Origin Assembly has become the world centre of geographical indications. Producers of goods protected by well-known geographical indications, such as “Tequila”, “Prosecco”, “Bavarian Beer”, “Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese”, “Balsamic Vinegar of Modena”, “Parma Ham”, etc. are visiting Georgia. The objective of holding the conference as well as the exhibition and tasting is to facilitate popularization of the geographical indications protection system in Georgia, raising awareness in the given field among Georgian entrepreneurs, establishing their direct contacts with foreign entrepreneurs and introducing their products.
A geographical indication is the name which indicates a geographical area and is used to designate the goods the specific quality, features or reputation of which are due to the particular geographical environment and human factor characteristic for the place of their origin. The environment implies soil and water composition, climate, landscape and other natural characteristics. The human factor includes the traditional knowledge and experience existing in the local population. At present, 48 geographical indications and appellations of origin are protected in Georgia: 20 wines (Ateni, Akhasheni, Tsinandali, Gurjaani, Kardenakhi, Kakheti, Kotekhi, Kvareli, Manavi, Mukuzani, Napareuli, Kindzmarauli, Sviri, Teliani, Tibaani, Tvishi, Vazisubani, Khvanchkara, Khashmi Saperavi, Bolnisi), 8 mineral waters (Borjomi, Sairme, Nabeglavi, Mitarbi, Utsera, Skuri, Zvare, Bolnisi), 13 cheeses (Svanuri Sulguni, Kobi, Imeruli Kveli, Meskhuri Chechili, Dambalkhacho, Tushuri Guda, Guda, Megruli Sulguni, Sulguni, Kartuli Kveli, Tenili, Acharuli Chlechili, Chogi), Chacha, Churchkhela, Akhalkalaki Potato, Kutaisi Greens, Tkibuli Tea, Machakhela Honey. It is noteworthy that cost of goods bearing geographical indications is on average 2.5 times higher as compared with that of other identical products and they are in especially great demand on the market. In addition, goods protected by geographical indications play a significant role in the regional development of countries (creation of new jobs, reduction of manpower drain, increase of the region awareness and development of rural tourism).
OriGIn – the Global Alliance of Geographical Indications is an international non-governmental organization, uniting up to 500 associations of entrepreneurs from over 40 countries (including Georgia) and various organizations related with geographical indications.
