- Industry to work on global branding, retail marketing to support exports
- Gujarat’s cumin exports average 175,000 t per year, fennel 15,000-20,000 t
Unjha cumin (jeera) and fennel (variyali) have been awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tags under Class 30 (Spices) by the GI Registry, Chennai. The registrations have been issued in the name of the Unjha Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC), providing India’s largest spice trading hub with a distinct geographical identity.
The GI registrations were secured with support from the Directorate of Horticulture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University (SDAU), and the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII).
Industry plans export promotion
Industry stakeholders plan to leverage the GI recognition to boost exports through enhanced global branding, packaging and retail marketing for cumin and fennel.
The Federation of Indian Spice Stakeholders (FISS) will work with the Spices Board of India to develop a formal strategy covering product labelling and retail branding. The industry also plans to seek international GI recognition to strengthen the visibility and legal protection of Unjha cumin and fennel in overseas markets.
Gujarat exports cumin to 70-80 countries
Gujarat currently exports cumin to 70-80 countries, with annual exports averaging 175,000 tonnes (t) and reaching 240,000 t in peak years.
Fennel exports average 15,000-20,000 t annually and have touched 30,000 t during peak years.
GI-tagged spices showcased at trade fairs
The GI-tagged cumin and fennel are already being showcased at trade fairs with support from the Unjha APMC.
Industry officials said the Central Government’s One District One Product (ODOP) scheme has further supported promotional initiatives for the GI-tagged spices.
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