First step towards getting GI tag for halwa, macroon

‘Pride of Tirunelveli and Tuticorin will get global recognition’

The file photo shows customers enjoying the famous 'Iruttukadai' halwa in Tirunelveli. The Tirunelveli Halwa is famous for its unique taste and long shelf life.

An awareness programme on getting geographic indication (GI) for Tirunelveli halwa and Tuticorin macroon was organised by the Veterinary College and Research Institute here on Saturday.

Chinnaraja G. Naidu, Assistant Registrar of Indian Intellectual Property Rights, said the two eatables “are the pride of the two southern districts, thanks to thousands of hours of research conducted by our ancestors for years on improving their quality.” Besides getting international recognition for the products, the GI tag would also enable those manufacturing them to expand their ‘business base’.

Additional Government Pleader P. Sanjay Gandhi suggested that

halwa and macroon manufacturers form separate groups to submit their applications to get the GI, which would recognise the products’ quality in 159 countries — that have signed the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights.