“Ninotsminda Honey” - a New Geographical Indication
October 03, 2020
After “Tenili”, “Meskhetian Chechili”, “Borjomi”, “Mitarbi” and “Akhalkalaki Potato”, a new geographical indication - “Ninotsminda Honey” from Samtskhe-Javakheti region was added to the State Registry of Geographical Indications. This means that the specific quality, features and reputation of this produc due to the geographical environment and human factors characteristic of Samtskhe-Javakheti region, are recognized on the state level.
On October 1, 2020, Mr. Mindia Davitadze, Chairman of the National Intellectual Property Centre of Georgia Sakpatenti, signed the certificate of registration of “Ninotsminda Honey” in a solemn ceremony held in Akhaltsikhe, on the Rabati Castle territory. The document was handed over to the members of producers’ cooperative “Kodi”, who had filed an application for registration of “Ninotsminda Honey” as a geographical indication.
It is noted in the specifications of “Ninotsminda Honey” that the natural occurrences, protected territories and diverse flora within the boundaries of Ninotsminda municipality create the special environment where unique “Ninotsminda Honey” is produced. It is confirmed by the sources that honey produced in Ninotsminda Municipality was well-known among the Samtskhe-Javakheti population and it is a traditionally recognized honey in the region. Granting the status of a geographical indication and recognizing that Samtskhe-Javakheti region has an advantageous location at the border of Turkey and Armenia, creates good opportunities to export this unique product into the neighbouring countries.
“Samtskhe-Javakheti region, which is famous for potato growing, beekeeping, animal farming, vegetable farming and production of foodstuffs, has a considerable resources for establishment of geographical indications and effective application of this potential. This will cause raising of the quality of local goods, their competitiveness on the internal market as well as abroad, and respectively, the regional development. Gradually, Sakpatenti is identifying potential GIs and evaluating the benefit received from their legal protection. Currently the following potential geographical indications are identified and being assessed: Akhaltsikhe potato, Samtskhe-Javakheti beef, Ninotsminda Poka cheese, Akhaltsikhe, Tsaghveri and Abastumani honey, Akhalkalaki and Tabatsquri carrot, Vale cabbage and Meskhetian alcoholic beverages. The list, as you can see, is quite long and varied, and I think that we, the delegation of the National Intellectual Property Centre of Georgia Sakpatenti, will again repeatedly visit this unique region hold the registration procedure ceremony”, - as stated by Mr. Mindia Davitadze, Chairman of Sakpatenti.
Samtskhe-Javakheti region, with its natural conditions and traditional knowledge of production, is rich in goods of specific quality and features, which enjoy a high reputation. The appellation of origin for these goods is an asset and its legal protection is provided by the National Intellectual Property Centre of Georgia Sakpatenti. Geographical indication is a common term and the value of goods bearing geographical indications is on average 2.5 times higher as compared to other identical goods, they are especially demanded on the market and play a significant role in the regional development of a country. They represent a certain voluntary standard which should facilitate supplying the market with high-quality products, raising the quality and competitiveness of local goods on the internal market and abroad.
Ninotsminda Honey, along with Khvanchkara, Chacha, Tushetian Guda, Churchkhela, Machakhela Honey and other 53 geographical indications, protected in Georgia, from October 1, represents a common asset for persons engaged in its production and marketing of this product. Collective management organizations of geographical indications are in charge of effective management of geographical indications and with the state assistance shall control the accordance of the characteristics of goods with the specifications of geographical indications.
One of the roles of Sakpatenti in the creation of the effective control system is formation of the legislative framework and presenting relevant amendments into the current legislation. Taking into consideration the experience of the European Union, which for the purpose of identification of geographical indications introduced special logos that are compulsory for use, the Office is working on elaboration of an identical tool, which will facilitate the effectiveness of the control system as well as marketing activities to enhance the geographical indications system.
The specifications of “Ninotsminda Honey” are available on the following link:
