Feni to be available outside Goa as "Heritage Spirit"

The Goa government is considering to delist feni as "country liquor"

Goa’s cashew feni, which got its Geographical Indication (GI) certification in 2000 is all set to be delisted as “country liquor” and will be standardised and marketed soon beyond State's borders as Goa’s “Heritage Spirit.”

Announcing this in Panaji on Thursday, Goa Commissioner for Excise Menino D’Souza said that the State government will soon come out with a comprehensive State policy on feni, which will include both, feni distilled from cashew as well as from coconut palm.

President of Goa Cashew Feni Distillers and Bottlers' Association Mac Vaz said that the policy will work towards standardisation of distillation process and also help changing the perception about feni.

Mr. D’Souza said that the policy will ensure research and development, documentation and monitoring and more promotion efforts for this GI drink of Goa. He said that the government will also initiate efforts to obtain GI certification for Goa’s coconut feni with proper documentation.

Goa at present produces around 4 lakh bulk litre of feni annually.

Mr. Vas said that they are poised to take help of likes of Shatbi Basu, Mixologist and Brand Ambassador for American Whiskey in educating and promoting feni.