Geographical Indications Law in Guadeloupe (France)
In Guadeloupe, a French overseas department, the legal framework for Geographical Indications (GIs) is robust, particularly for agricultural products and spirits. The primary institution overseeing this framework is the Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (INAO), which administers the national and European Union (EU) systems for quality signs of origin.
🥃 Rhum de Guadeloupe – Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
One of the most prominent GIs in Guadeloupe is Rhum de Guadeloupe, a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) under EU law. This designation ensures that the rum's quality and characteristics are intrinsically linked to the region's specific environmental and human factors.
Key Specifications:
Geographical Area: Production, distillation, aging, and bottling must occur within Guadeloupe. For the term "Marie-Galante" to be used, these processes must take place on the island of Marie-Galante.
Raw Materials: The primary raw material is sugarcane, specifically varieties of Saccharum officinarum or Saccharum spontaneum, or their hybrids. Transgenic varieties are prohibited.
Production Process:
Juice Extraction: Must be done via mechanical pressure from horizontal mills and imbibition with cane juice.
Fermentation: Must be batch fermentation.
Distillation: Allowed methods include simple batch distillation, multistage batch distillation, or multistage continuous distillation with reflux.
Aging: Aging must occur in oak barrels.
Alcohol Content: Must be at least 40% ABV.
Additional Terms: The term "agricole" is permitted only for rum made exclusively from cane juice. The use of cane syrup or molasses is not allowed for rum labeled as "agricole"
🍈 Melon de Guadeloupe – Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
Another notable GI is Melon de Guadeloupe, also recognized as a PGI within the EU. This designation highlights the unique qualities of melons grown in specific municipalities of Guadeloupe.
Key Specifications:
Geographical Area: The GI covers 10 municipalities across the islands of Grande-Terre and Marie-Galante.
Soil and Climate: The region is characterized by fertile, slightly basic soils with high calcium content, and a tropical climate with a distinct dry season, contributing to the melon's unique flavor and texture.
Harvesting and Packaging: Melons must be harvested and packaged within strict guidelines to maintain quality. Each melon is individually labeled with the PGI logo and the term "Melon de Guadeloupe"
🛡️ Legal Framework and Enforcement
The INAO is responsible for the recognition, monitoring, and enforcement of GIs in Guadeloupe. Under French law, any infringement of a GI constitutes counterfeiting, with penalties including fines and imprisonment. This legal protection extends throughout the EU, ensuring that products bearing a GI are safeguarded against misuse and misrepresentation .
🌐 Regional and International Context
Guadeloupe's GI system is part of France's broader commitment to protecting regional products. The EU's quality schemes, including PGIs and Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs), play a crucial role in linking products to their geographical origins, promoting quality, and protecting traditional know-how .
In summary, Guadeloupe's legal framework for Geographical Indications is well-established, particularly for agricultural products like rum and melons. These protections not only preserve the unique qualities of local products but also support the region's economic development and cultural heritage.
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