“Tqemali” Acquires the Status of a Geographical Indication

Geographical indication “Tqemali” will be added to the Registry of geographical indications registered in Georgia. The registration procedure at the National Intellectual Property Centre of Georgia – “Sakpatenti” is at the final stage, as a result of which the official information, together with the application materials submitted for registration, will be published in the Official Bulletin on Industrial Property on June 10 of the current year. If within 3 months from the publication, no additional information is submitted to Sakpatenti, “Tqemali” will be added to the State Registry of Geographical Indications.

The request for registration of “Tqemali” as a geographical indication was submitted to Sakpatenti by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia. In the application materials it is noted that Tqemali is referred to as a Georgian cuisine mark. It is recognized as number one sauce in Georgia and there is no Georgian table without it. The quality of Tqemali sauce is considerably determined by the special taste and distinctive aroma of locally grown tqemali (sour plum), greens and spices for dressing, as well as the experience and craftsmanship of the cook.  At present Tqemali is made in all regions of Georgia, but it is considered to be originated from Western Georgia. The application materials include the method and stages of Tqemali preparation and other necessary information.  

The preparation rule and recipes of Tqemali were passed from generation to generation orally or in writing. The earliest written recipe for its preparation is found in the book “Georgian Cuisine and Tried Housekeeping Notes” complied by Barbare Jorjadze in the 19th c., published in 1874.  In accordance with the specifications, sour plum (myrobalan, damson, etc., fruit to be added to taste), garlic, pepper, fresh greens and spices, used for Tqemali, shall be produced only in Georgia. According to the used ingredients, their ratio and preparation methods, Tqemali can mainly be of two types: fresh Tqemali and Tqemali for winter storage.     

The goods marked with geographical indications are in especially high demand on the market, as such products are characterized by high quality, features and reputation, which are due to the natural environment and human factor characteristic of the particular region. Therefore, granting the status to Tqemali and recognizing it on the state level will further increase the demand and value of the product.