Two-Day Training was Held at Sakpatenti for Representatives of the Tushetian Guda Association

In order to support Georgian farmers, entrepreneurs and associations, the National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia – “Sakpatenti”, in cooperation with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), is implementing a project which envisages strengthening the capacity of producers, as well as developing their marketing skills and deepening their knowledge in the direction of improving competitiveness. 

At the first stage of the project, in October 2023, one-day training was held for officials of public agencies, including Sakpatenti, where attention was focused on the aspects of management of the geographical indications system, namely, compliance with the quality requirements defined by the specifications, issues of assessment of an application and various mechanisms of enforcement. Within the project, the registered geographical indication “Tushetiani Guda” was selected, on the example of which targeted two-day training was offered on the management, branding and commercialization of the product. At the training, which took place with the participation of producers of Tushetian Guda cheese, the specification of Tushetian Guda, its production methods and area were discussed. In addition, the means of raising awareness on the product and the possibilities of its competitiveness on the market were discussed.

During the training, the need for reviving the Association was revealed. Therefore, two-day training for members of the Tushetian Guda Association was planned and held on January 24-25, 2024, at Sakpatenti Head Office. The training was led by international expert Mr. Pascal Bernardoni. The participants got acquainted with the basic principles of the association management, internal control structure and external communication strategy. At the training the purpose of target commissions, their composition and powers were also discussed. Along with this, initiatives related to the management of institutional protection and promotion were also considered in the process of work. During the event, the participants discussed the development of the Guide to “Best marketing practices for the Tushetian Guda Association”.

The joint project of Sakpatenti and WIPO – the “Project on Collective Management, Branding and Commercialization of Selected Registered GI in Georgia” will be completed in March 2024. 

Proper management, branding and commercialization of Georgian geographical indications and other origin-based products will play an important role in the economic development of the country, will facilitate local production and access to regional, national and international markets.