'Feni' Gets GI Status

by CHRISTINA VIEGAS
Posted on 2009-03-26
The exotic Goan spirit, ‘Feni’ has finally got its Geographical Indication (GI) status. The GI certificate, duly signed by Mr P H Kurian, the Controller General of Patents, Designs, Trademarks and Geographical Indications at the Trademark Registry, Mumbai, was received by the Department of Science, Technology and Environment yesterday morning.
It is a proud moment for the state as ‘Feni’ becomes the first alcoholic spirit in the country to get the GI status and the first ever product from Goan soil for the same. On February 19th, 2009, the Navhind Times had carried an exclusive interview with Mr Kurian where he had stated that the GI certificate was ready and only his signature, a formality was pending. Now the needful has been done.
The Navhind Times also managed to procure an exclusive photograph of the GI Certificate. When Mr Kurian was contacted, the excited response was, “What is there to say? I have told you everything in my last interview. It is a great moment for Goa and for ‘Feni’.”
Due to the code of conduct in force, no officials were in a position to furnish comments, though the mood was upbeat and there was a sense of excitement and joy in the air.
On contacting Mr Tukaram Haldankar, vice president of the Goa Cashew Feni Manufacturers and Bottlers Association, the gentleman managed to sum up the feelings of all involved, “This is a very happy moment for all of us. We have strived hard and never gave up.”
So, where do they go from here? He replied, “There is a lot to be done. We have to get together with the various government departments and discuss what measures have to be taken to standardise the product. Right now, we are happy that no one can duplicate the product.”
The procuring of the GI certificate for the Goan spirit would perhaps take care of a lot of loose talk by ignorant people who constantly preferred to remain spoilt sports and lamented that the GI status for ‘Feni’ was stuck in the rut, while the locals can revel with news of the patenting of their spirit as this unique potent spirit will now stand out in terms of greater positioning, not just in the country, but all over the globe.
(GI CERTIFICATE DETAILS)
Geographical Indication No: 120
Certificated No: 105
Certified that the Geographical Indication (of which a representation is annexed hereto) has been registered in the register in the name of Goa Cashew Feni Manufacturers and Bottlers Association, D3/26, Tivim Industrial Estate, Karaswado, Mapusa, Gao – 403507 and Department of Science, Technology & Enviromnment (DST&E), Government of Goa, Opposite Saligao Seminary, Saligao, Bardez, Goa – 403511, in class 33, under no 120, as of the date 19.12.2007, sealed at my direction this 05th day of March 2009 at Chennail.
Signed by Mr P H Kurian
Registrar of Georaphical Indications
Entry made in Part-A of the Register – Feni
That the Goa Cashew Feni Manufacturers and Bottlers Association D3/26, Tivim Industrial Estate, Karaswado, Mapusa, Gao – 403507 and Department of Science, Technology & Enviromnment (DST&E), Government of Goa, Opposite Saligao Seminary, Saligao, Bardez, Goa – 403511, India are the Registered Proprietor of the GI Feni.
Dated: 05-03-09
Place: Chennai
Signed by Mr P H Kurian
Registrar of Georaphical Indications