From July 2017 to June this year, five new Brazilian products received certificates of origin, reported the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). For the certificate to be issued by the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), the products must be originally produced in a specific geographical region and possess unique characteristics.
The certificate is provided by exporters and allows importers to obtain preferential treatment, in addition to reducing or avoiding taxes as part of international trade agreements.
Brazil now has certificates of origin for 58 products and services. The new products are flour from Cruzeiro do Sul, in the state of Acre, guaraná from Maués, Amazonas, cheese from Colônia Witmarsum, in Paraná, cocoa beans from southern Bahia, and socol (similar to raw ham) from Venda Nova do Imigrante, in Espírito Santo.
The production of flour in Cruzeiro do Sul is a family and community activity that is passed down from generation to generation. It is known for its quality, crunchiness, regular granulation, roasting, and flavor.
The guaraná from Maués is an ancient tradition of the Sataré-Maués indigenous people. The product is rich in caffeine (three to five percent) and is referred to as “the elixir of longevity” by the natives.
The socol from Venda Nova do Imigrante is like ham, made from pork loin. It was introduced to Brazil by Italian immigrants around 1880.
The cocoa beans from southern Bahia, one of the main centers of fruit production, have a minimum fermentation rate of 65 percent, a natural aroma free of strange odors, and moisture content below eight percent.
Finally, the cheese from Colônia Witmarsum is the first dairy product produced under the Federal Inspection System (SIF). According to IBGE data, twenty tons are produced.
Source: agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br