Indonesia's Gayo Arabica Coffee Awarded Protected Status by EU
For the first time a product from Indonesia obtained the Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) status from the European Union (EU). The product is "Kopi Arabika Gayo", a coffee made from the high-quality arabica beans and is cultivated in the Gayo highlands of Indonesia's province of Aceh on the northern tip of Sumatra. This special status means the product will benefit from the same protection and market added-value compared to EU protected products.
To be awarded the PGI status, a product must be traditionally and - at least - partially manufactured (prepared, processed or produced) within the specific region and thus contain unique properties. In a statement the EU notes that there are currently 23 geographical indications registered from ten countries outside the EU. In total 1,395 products have been awarded the PGI status (mostly consisting of European products such as French champagne or Dutch goat cheese).
Read also: European Union Regulation Regarding Gayo Arabica Coffee
From now on a label can be stamped on Gayo Arabica coffee products to make consumers aware that it is an authentic product. This stamp is not only a marketing strategy, but also offers producers of the product protection against counterfeiting or name abuse.
Natural and human influences guarantee the quality reputation of Gayo Arabica coffee. This coffee type requires conditions of high altitude, humidity and lower light intensity, which results in a slower maturity process. Local farmers traditionally use unirrigated land and fertilize organically.
Indonesia is the world's fourth-biggest coffee producer and exporter. However, most of Indonesia's coffee output consists of the lower quality robusta type. The provinces of Lampung, South Sumatra and Bengkulu (all on the island of Sumatra) are known as the key coffee growing areas of Indonesia, accounting for around 65 percent of Indonesia's total coffee output. Indonesia's arabica beans primarily originate from Aceh and North Sumatra.
Read also: Overview of Coffee in Indonesia