Move Towards Geographic Indication Label for Unrefined Sugars

Better late than never. This phrase aptly describes the recent development in the Mauritian sugar industry, one of the island’s oldest sectors. The industry has been presented with a unique opportunity to establish that no other country can claim its unrefined sugars as their own.

This comes with the imminent introduction of a Geographic Indication (GI) label that will soon be displayed on product packaging.

This initiative is the result of a close collaboration among the Mauritian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), and the Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation in Africa (AfrIPI), which are well-established organizations known for their commitment to protecting intellectual property rights.

To prepare for the granting of the GI label for Mauritian unrefined sugars, a workshop was held from August 21 to 22 at Le Fangourin restaurant, located within the Aventure du Sucre premises in Beau-Plan, Pamplemousses.

The involvement of the European Union in this government initiative is not a coincidence. EU member states are among the largest importers of Mauritian sugar.

Oskar Benedikt, the EU Ambassador to Mauritius, stated, “The granting of the Geographic Indication label to Mauritius will help increase the export of Mauritian sugar and will enable the country to reap socioeconomic benefits.

It is high time Mauritius considers producing unrefined sugar, as more consumers worldwide are seeking quality products that offer specific characteristics to support their health.”

Benedikt expressed hope that this GI label would mark a new beginning for the Mauritian sugar industry.

Unrefined sugar is rich in vitamins and minerals and is known for its distinct flavor, making it a popular sweetener in baking and beverage production.

Unlike refined sugar, which is white, unrefined sugar has a brownish hue due to its production from molasses—the thick syrup that remains after extracting crystallized sugar from sugar cane juice.

Among the commercial names under which Mauritian unrefined sugars are marketed are Muscovado, Golden, Golden Semolina, and Roux Spéciaux.

According to Narainduth Boodhoo, Director of Trade Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the drive to secure a GI label for Mauritian unrefined sugars is deeply rooted in commercial interests.

“The unique and specific flavor of Mauritian unrefined sugars, which are highly appreciated and sought after in international markets, is at the heart of the initiative to confer these products a Geographic Indication label.”

The Mauritian government’s efforts will not stop with the pursuit of a GI label for unrefined sugars.

Initiatives to secure similar recognition for Rodrigues rum and the local lemon drink, known as petit limon, are already underway within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: l’Express