In a milestone achievement for cultural heritage and economic development, Mauritius’ distinctive unrefined sugar has secured national Geographical Indication (GI) protection in December 2024. This achievement, supported by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) through its AfrIPI project, allows for the recognition of the unique qualities of sugar rooted in Mauritius’ terroir, traditions and artisanal know-how.

GIs protect the names of products from a specific region, where a given quality or reputation is attributable to their geographical origin. GI status safeguards authentic products against imitation, empowers rural communities and adds value to local economies. “Mauritius unrefined sugar” – deeply tied to the island’s history and environment – is now officially recognised as a national treasure.

The EUIPO provided crucial support by:

• Conducting a prospective study to prepare the stakeholders for the implementation of the GI
• Facilitating a dedicated workshop for stakeholders to refine the GI application.
• Offering technical expertise throughout the national registration process.

The GI delivers significant benefits:

• Protects Heritage: Safeguards traditional production methods and Mauritius's reputation.
• Boosts Economy: Enables producers to command premium prices and access new markets.
• Builds Trust: Consumers can confidently identify Mauritius Unrefined sugar in the market.

The EUIPO, as an international registration authority on geographical indication (GI) and the world's largest provider of GI capacity-building services, builds on years of cooperation in the areas of GIs with the European Commission (DG AGRI), and international and regional Intellectual Property (IP) offices.

This national success marks a key step, as national registration is a prerequisite for obtaining protection at the international level, including through a bilateral agreement with the European Union.