Recently, Sri Lanka has achieved its first-ever GI Certification with the unique product, Ceylon Cinnamon. This is a notable achievement for Sri Lanka, as the country’s most popular exports are pungent and aromatic spices.
What does the PGI certification?
The logo defines the relationship between the specific geographic region and the name of the product, where a particular quality, reputation or other characteristic is essentially attributable to its own geographical origin.
Ceylon cinnamon is essential in various dishes in Sri Lankan cuisine. It also has multiple uses such as cooking, baking, or making a home remedy for colds.
In addition to being a culinary delight, this cinnamon has antioxidant properties that help prevent heart disease and cancer.
The European Union promotes the use of Ceylon Cinnamon because it is a natural ingredient. Specially Ceylon Cinnamon Powder and Sticks are the main famous products that people consume and there are a lot of value-added products available in the retail market.
The Sri Lankan Ministry of Agriculture made efforts to obtain GI certification for cinnamon and ensure that the export meets the EU’s requirements.
Ceylon Cinnamon achieves GI certification under the Sri Lanka Scheduled Tribes Act No. 5, which promotes the development of products that are specific to a geographical territory. This is the first time that Sri Lanka has been awarded GI Certification for anything other than tea and coffee, which were certified in 2004. The certificate was awarded on October 15, 2013.
Companies who plan on marketing cinnamon from Sri Lanka will be required to put an “E” mark on their goods as well as provide an official certificate for their product’s authenticity.
By obtaining the GI status, Sri Lanka has joined the ranks of countries such as Austria, America, and Australia.
Ceylon Cinnamon Industry Association plans on increasing the production of Ceylon cinnamon and making it available through international markets.
This is a huge step for manufacturers who have been trying to establish an international presence in the spice market.
The Ceylon Cinnamon can be used in many dishes such as Sri Lankan desserts.
It’s a favorite ingredient in Sri Lankan curry and cinnamon is known for its spicy taste that can uplift any meal.
Ceylon Cinnamon is also used to cure many illnesses and has medicinal properties that help cure a common cold, diarrhea, and joint pains.
Although this isn’t as common of use, you can also mix cinnamon with hot water and honey to drink for a sore throat or cough. The fire-cinnamon tree, which is native to Sri Lanka, continues to be cultivated in the country because of its commercial value, and its economic usage will be further boosted due to the new GI certification.
The boost in cinnamon sales can greatly boost the Sri Lankan economy, especially during such trying times.
The certification also has boosted Sri Lanka’s relations with the EU.
This will help Sri Lanka as a trading nation by being able to export its products. This is also a very good step for the country’s economy and will make Sri Lanka a preferred exporter of Cinnamon.
The certification also helps Sri Lankan cuisine with being recognized as one of the top cuisines in the world.
Members of the EDB have shared their joy in achieving the milestone, stating that, “This achievement could not have come at a more fitting time than now when increasing Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange earnings is more important than ever before.”
