The EUIPO Highlights St. Lucia Rum’s Journey to GI Status in New CarIPI Video
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), an international registration authority for craft and industrial geographical indications (GIs), continues to support GI development in CARIFORUM countries through the EU-funded CarIPI project. As part of this work, the project has just published a new video titled “Spirit of the Island: The Story of St. Lucia Rum.”
Through its technical assistance, training activities and capacity-building support, the EUIPO, via CarIPI, has worked closely with Saint Lucia and other CARIFORUM countries in drafting the necessary GI specifications, including supporting Trinidad and Tobago’s steel pan initiative. These efforts have culminated in a significant milestone: St. Lucia Rum has been officially registered as the country’s first geographical indication, marking a historic achievement for Saint Lucia and laying the groundwork for future protection within the European Union.
Saint Lucia, a Caribbean country known for its vibrant coral reefs and volcanic landscape, has now gained international recognition for something equally distinctive: its fine rums. The video highlights the journey of Saint Lucian rum producers as they worked together to obtain GI status, strengthening the protection and promotion of this origin-linked product.
The spirits industry is an emerging growth sector for the Caribbean. Saint Lucia’s unique natural settings, contributes to the distinctive character of its rum. By securing GI status, St. Lucia Rum can stand out in a competitive global market as a product of verified origin and quality, offering consumers assurance of authenticity and high standards of craftsmanship.
This video forms part of CarIPI’s intellectual property awareness activities and aims to demonstrate the tangible impact of IP rights, particularly registered GIs, in CARIFORUM states.
For more information about GI protection in the EU, see: https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/gi-hub
Watch the video here: