Darjeeling Tea named PGI by European Union
Kolkata: The European Union (EU) has registered the term Darjeeling as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for black tea originating from the West Bengal region. The PGI covers agricultural products and food stuffs which are closely linked to the geographical area, with at least one of the stages of production, processing or preparation taking place in the protected area.Darjeeling tea is the seventh non-EU product to get a protected status within Europe, following Columbian coffee and five Chinese products. Darjeeling Tea was the first Indian product to be recognised by the European Union as a protected GI. “This has been a historical achievement for all the stakeholders and consumers of this globally famous product,” said S. S. Bagaria, Chairman of Darjeeling Tea Association (DTA).
As per the new registration, now, the teas sold in the EU would have to be 100 per cent Darjeeling tea, a Tea Board official said. “We expect exports to increase as till now blends carrying very little of authentic Darjeeling was passed off as the unique brew,” Mr. Bagaria said. It is said that more Darjeeling tea was sold in the international markets than was produced on the slopes of Darjeeling, as often only a small portion of the authentic product was put in a packet which contained blends of teas from many other origins.
EU’s decision to grant PGI is being considered as a defining moment because nearly three-four million kg of Darjeeling tea is exported to European countries. The 80-odd gardens in Darjeeling produce around 10 million kg of made tea annually but industry officials estimate that around 40 million kg gets sold as Darjeeling tea across the globe a year.
The European Union is all set to clear the air over its decision to allow some European blenders a five-year transition period for selling 100% Darjeeling tea in packets. EU lawyers will engage in a discussion with the Darjeeling tea industry, commerce ministry and Tea Board officials on February 10 to work out a solution to this issue which has irked Darjeeling tea producers.
(Source - TruthDive)
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