Geographical Branding Products by Origin Extended
Tigrai Online
Jan. 12 2009
The Home Garden Project, which has undertaken a study to identify certain products to be branded and promoted by place of origin, is expecting an extension beyond its envisaged termination at the end of 2010, because of a delay in the ratification of the Geographical Indication Bill, which would carryout the implementation.
The project was launched in 2006 and was originally intended to run until 2010. Since 2006, it has identified agricultural products based on their taste and quality, so that these products can be marketed using their geographical origin as a brand.
Among these location-branded products are Tigray and Masha white honey, Harar senga (bulls fattened to be butchered), Dendi garlic, Limu coffee, Assosa mangos, Ankober sunflowers, and Debre Brehan brandy.
“We have completed the study and identified the locations. We are only waiting for the law,” said Yigzaw Ayalew, project manager.
The bill has been repeatedly discussed with stakeholders, and it is one of those bills that could be ratified in the 2009/10 fiscal year, according to an official at Parliament, who asked not to be named because he was not mandated to speak on the issue.
This delay, according to Yigzaw, is going to necessitate the extension of the project.
French wine and Cuban cigars are among those pricey products that enjoy the benefits of geographical branding. The ratification of the bill in Ethiopia will help the identified products benefit from the special promotion and the higher prices that result, Yigzaw says.
“Ethiopia is a diverse country. Many products can be marketed in a similar manner,” he said.
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