“Chacha House” was Named as the Best Company Producing the Geographical Indication Product “Chacha” in 2022

The traditional “Chacha Festival”, supported by the National Intellectual Property Centre of Georgia – Sakpatenti, after a two-year interval was renewed. Today, an exhibition and tasting of products protected by geographical indication “Chacha”, produced by farmers, peasants, small cellars and companies of the eight municipalities of Kakheti Region was held in Telavi. 

In Georgia, registration of a name as a geographical indication is carried out by Sakpatenti. This subject-matter of intellectual property refers to the place which determines the characteristic features of the product originating there. It serves to provide consumers with the information regarding the product origin and characteristics related to the place of its origin. 

Sakpatenti Chairman Mr. Soso Giorgadze participated in the opening ceremony of the “Chacha Festival”. In the welcoming address the Head of the Office noted that “Sakpatenti is carrying out step by step identification of potential geographical indications, their inventory and evaluation of benefits from their legal protection. At the moment, potential geographical indications of Kakheti region are identified, which are in the process of research: Gurjaani Peach and Strawberry, Qvareli Melon, Dedoplistsqaro Wheat, Sunflower and Barley, Telavi Onion and Garlic, Iqalto and Kardanakhi Khikhvi, Kakhetian Pork, Lagodekhi Watermelon, Gremi and Eniseli.  As you see, the list is long, varied and Sakpatenti in its turn will not spare time and energy to ensure that the above-mentioned potential geographical indications, like others, soon become a common asset for entities involved in the production and sale of goods protected by these GIs”. 

At the event organized in order to encourage and support chacha producers, Sakpatenti was represented by its exhibition stand. The participants and guests got acquainted with mechanisms of protection of geographical indications and appellations of origin, interested persons received information materials. During the festival Sakpatenti representatives also delivered a presentation on the mentioned IP subject-matter. 

Guests of the festival had an opportunity to familiarize with exhibition corners of Akhmeta, Gurjaani, Dedoplistsqaro, Telavi, Lagodekhi, Sagarejo, Sighnaghi and Qvareli municipalities, with their characteristic features, traditions and culture. At the event, several gastronomic corners were also represented. Exhibition and sale of traditional Georgian dishes took place. 

Within the festival, the jury made up of professional sommeliers, revealed among the participants the best producers of chacha. The Gold Medal was awarded to the company “Chacha House” as the best producing company of the given product in 2022. According to the nominations and positions, various companies, small cellars, farmers and peasants participating in the competition were awarded with different medals and certificates. 

The annual festival facilitates popularization of chacha and in general geographical indications in Georgia, increasing their export potential and raising public awareness in this direction. The event is organized by the Georgian Chamber of Culture, co-organized by the Tourism Development Association and the Administration of the State Attorney-Governor in Kakheti Region. Together with the National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia – Sakpatenti, the “Chacha Festival” is supported by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, the National Wine Agency of Georgia and the Georgian National Tourism Administration.