Congrats! “Pu’er Coffee” wins national GI protection

The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) approved “Pu’er Coffee” as geographical indications (GI) on Aug 20.

GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. In order to function as a GI, a sign must identify a product as originating in a given place.

In addition, the qualities, characteristics or reputation of the product should be essentially due to the place of origin. Since the qualities depend on the geographical place of production, there is a clear link between the product and its original place of production.

Pu'er is one of the coffee cultivation areas in China, with a 100-year history. At present, the output value of Pu'er coffee ranks first in China.

In September 2020, "Pu'er Coffee" was listed in the first batch of 100 geographical indication agreements between China and Europe (there were only 4 in Yunnan Province), realizing the acknowledgement from Europe.

Benefits of GIs include standardized processes, increased production, and more employment for locals.

Reporting by Hou Yuling (Yunnan Daily app); Photos by Pu’er Municipal Publicity Department; Trans-editing by Mo Yingyi