Protecting the geographical indication "Lam Dong" for coffee products

The National Office of Intellectual Property (Ministry of Science and Technology) has issued Decision No. 636/QD-SHTT on granting Certificate of registration of geographical indication No. 00147 for the coffee product "Lam Dong". The Department of Agriculture and Environment of Lam Dong province is the organization managing this geographical indication.

Lam Dong is one of the largest and most famous coffee growing regions in Vietnam, with about 175,915 hectares of coffee growing area, with an output of over 532 thousand tons per year. Of which, the Arabica coffee area is nearly 17,000 hectares, accounting for more than 10% of the total area, the rest is Robusta coffee. Many coffee products of Lam Dong have won high awards at the Vietnam Specialty Coffee competitions organized by the Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Association, affirming the quality and reputation of the highland coffee region.

Products protected by the geographical indication “Lam Dong” include Arabica and Robusta coffee in three forms: green coffee, roasted coffee beans and ground coffee. Thanks to the terrain, climate and special cultivation process, Lam Dong coffee has a distinct flavor and quality. Arabica coffee beans have a jade-gray color, caffeine content of 1.57% or more, light aroma, mild sour taste and sweet aftertaste. Robusta coffee has a dark brown color, aroma of fresh fruit, chocolate and caramel, rich taste, caffeine content of 2.64% or more, crude protein of over 17%.

Geographical factors play a decisive role in the quality of Lam Dong coffee. The Arabica growing area is located at an altitude of 1,200 to 2,200 meters, while the Robusta area is at an altitude of 700–850 meters above sea level. The altitude and cool climate help the coffee fruit ripen slowly, the beans develop fully, have a firm structure, and have brighter and more uniform colors. The soil is rich in organic matter, has a slightly acidic pH, and has a high mineral content, which also contributes to increasing the caffeine and protein content, creating a rich, strong, and characteristic flavor.

In particular, sustainable farming methods in Lam Dong, such as planting shade trees and forest belts, contribute to regulating temperature, helping coffee grow stably. Coffee growers and processors always strictly follow technical processes, from harvesting ripe fruit (reaching a rate of 95% or more) to sorting, roasting and packaging within the geographical area to ensure quality and traceability.

The protection of the geographical indication “Lam Dong” for coffee products is a worthy recognition of the local coffee brand, while contributing to enhancing the value, expanding the market and affirming the position of Vietnamese coffee in the international market.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/bao-ho-chi-dan-dia-ly-lam-dong-cho-san-pham-ca-phe-197251028210231731.htm