Geographical Indication (GI) is a way to protect the origin of products. A GI can be explained as the use of a direct or indirect reference to the geographical origin of a product or service in order to identify them.

The Geographical Indication grants exclusivity to a group of people due to the reputation that the region has in the production of a good or a service, and/or the qualities or other features related to the origin. Such distinction makes the product/service relatively unique, and allow for more competitiveness of the product/service or higher profits for the production chain from where it originates.

When a place/origin has a reputation linked to a specific product or service it is possible to be recognized as a type of geographical indication called Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). In Brazil it is called “Indicação de Procedência”, according to the Law of Industrial Property n° 9.279.

The PGI is related to the geographical name of a country, city, region or locality known as a center of extraction, production or manufacturing of a specific agricultural or extractive good; it’s based on recognition.

The objective of any PGI is to create local value. It is a tool aimed at regional promotion and development. 

The Geographical Indication label can offer several advantages for the micro region, such as the protection and recognition of the micro region, value addition to its products and sustainable development always aimed at a collective profit. The label may also generate jobs, increase satisfaction among growers and help develop tourism in the region.