ADDIS ABABA- The Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority (EIPA) has announced that the Sidama Coffee trademark has been registered in China.
A discussion forum was held on Sunday with the participation of Sidama coffee producers, suppliers, exporters, and other stakeholders in the region. Authorities provided an explanation regarding the Geographical Indication Product System.
Sidama Region Coffee Producers and Suppliers Association President, ZerihunKamiso, stated that the registration result will play a significant role in making farmers more profitable and preserving the reputation of Sidama coffee.
He appreciated EIPA for its contribution to the registration of the Sidama coffee trademark in China.
A five-party agreement was signed on February 16 between the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority, Ethiopian Coffee Association, Sidama Regional Coffee Producers and Suppliers Association, Sidama Coffee Growers Union, and Daye Bensa Coffee Exporters PLC to further manage the Sidama Coffee trademark and guide it through the Geographical Indications system.
Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority Deputy Director General Shafi Umer, said that coffee is an invaluable cash crop in Ethiopia. “We need to work on promoting, and producing quality coffee to get more benefit from the sector.”
He added that the registration is very important for Sidama coffee to maintain its popularity and demand and become competitive on the international level.
EIPA’s Director General WolduYimesel explained that protecting the trademark and managing the geographical indication system is essential for Sidama coffee to be presented to the world market.
This will preserve the original taste and quality of the product along with other benefits, he said, while underscoring the necessity of coordinated efforts among stakeholders.
At the event, certificates of appreciation were presented by the Sidama Regional Coffee Producers and Suppliers Association to institutions that made significant contributions to the registration of Sidama coffee in China.
BY ESSEYE MENGISTE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 18 FEBRUARY
