What’s in a Name – Darjeeling Tea

Indian officials have applied to the European Union for brand-name protection for its Darjeeling tea. It is expected that the application will go through although India may face an objection from Darjeeling, a French lingerie company.

Apparently, the Darjeeling region of India produces only 10,000 tonnes of tea each year. However, there are 40,000 tonnes of tea sold under that name each year. This is why India is seeking protection for the Darjeeling name. Presently, tea from the Darjeeling region is labeled with an Indian certification mark. It is hoped the EU certification will provide some protection.

If this goes through, it means only tea from the Darjeeling region can be called Darjeeling just as only Madeira wine from the Portuguese island of Madeira can be called by that name. This certification will make India the second non-European country to get the EU’s protected designation of origin status. Cafe de Colombia from Colombia was the first.

Presently about 800 regional foods and thousands of wines are protected in this manner. Europe very strongly backs it regional specialties unlike the US with its agribusiness.

Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ET_Cetera/Darjeeling_tea_may_join_EU_hall_of_fame_list/articleshow/3605965.cms