The Goan Toddy Tappers, represented by the Toddy Tappers Association, have taken up the initiative to pursue a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for coconut feni and other coconut-related products like jaggery and vinegar. This decision comes after a previous proposal to obtain a GI tag for Goan coconut feni faced delays and obstacles.
The Toddy Tappers Association, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology, initially proposed obtaining a GI tag for Goan coconut feni. However, the proposal did not progress as expected, resulting in the failure to secure the coveted GI tag for this traditional beverage.
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Recently, the newly-elected president of the Toddy Tappers Association, Francis Fernandes, announced that a resolution has been passed to reinvigorate the application for a GI tag for coconut feni. They will also explore the possibility of obtaining GI tags for coconut jaggery and vinegar, further celebrating and protecting the rich heritage of Goan coconut products.
Fernandes stressed the historical significance of coconut feni, with a legacy spanning over 400 years. He expressed the Association’s intent to meet with the Department of Science and Technology to ascertain the status of the previous GI tag application and to seek the necessary support from the Goa government.
This move aims to acknowledge and safeguard the cultural and historical importance of these traditional Goan products.
