The Central Highlands province of Dak Lak plans to register for geographical indication (GI) recognition in the European Union for Buon Ma Thuot coffee.— Photo nld

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — The Central Highlands province of Dak Lak plans to register for geographical indication (GI) recognition in the European Union for Buon Ma Thuot coffee.

The move aims to protect the brand in this large, lucrative market. The price of coffee products with GI certification is about 15 per cent higher than that of their non-certified counterparts.

Early this year, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce revoked the patent of a company in Guangzhou falsely using the Buon Ma Thuot coffee label. Following that incident, the Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Association applied for trademark protection in 17 countries and territories around the world. Currently, Dak Lak coffee is exported to 60 countries and territories.

EU experts have organised seminars and training courses to help Dak Lak complete the complex process in three years. The Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Association is currently putting the final touches to a dossier to be submitted to the EU.— VNS