The African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), the French Development Agency (AFD), and the Center for International Cooperation in Agricultural Research for Development (Cirad) invite the general public to discover three exceptional products on the Cirad stand at the Cirad stand at the Paris International Agricultural Show (AFD), and the Center for International Cooperation in Agricultural Research for Development (Cirad) invite the general public to discover three exceptional products on the CIRAD stand at the Paris International Agricultural Show, Porte de Versailles (hall 4, allée C, 100).

Penja pepper, Oku honey and Ziama-Macenta coffee: these three products, from African lands, are the first to be awarded a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) by the OAPI. Like French AOCs and AOPs, the IGP protects producers from counterfeits and allows gourmets to confidently benefit from the immense qualities that the land gives to these products. At a time when consumers are asking for more transparency and information on the origin of the goods they consume, the valorization of local productions therefore represents a path to be explored.

In 2013, nearly sixteen African countries will recognize these three products as PGIs

Pepper from Penja (Cameroon) is one of the exceptional peppers, highly sought after by the greatest chefs and the finest gourmets. Its quality comes from the particular soil of Penja, exceptional both in terms of soil and climate, and from the particular know-how developed by the artisans of the region.

Oku honey (Cameroon) is a rare honey, recognizable by its white color and its naturally creamy texture. It is fresh in the mouth, with aromas of flowers and citrus fruits. Bees gather on the sides of Mount Oku, up to about 2,000 m above sea level, in the protected forest of Kilum-Ijim, a hotbed of biodiversity, which covers an area of 20,000 ha. Beekeepers set up hives that were previously colonized in the savannah. Oku white honey is a delicacy and almost impossible to find.

Ziama-Macenta coffee (Guinea) has characteristics that make it similar to arabica: acidulous flavor, low bitterness, high aromatic intensity, and a persistent, strong and fine aroma. These characteristics, remarkable for a Robusta, come from the soil and the microclimate that reigns around Mount Ziama in forest Guinea.

The IGP, an economic lever for Africa

The official recognition of Geographical Indications is an important issue for Africa. It contributes to the recognition and protection of assets and represents a real economic lever. This valorization of products, implemented by OAPI with AFD and Cirad as part of the Commercial Capacity Building Programme (PRCC), will make it possible to improve their export capacities, also thanks to institutional technical assistance and a training component.

Exclusive presentation from 25 February to 3 March 2013 on the CIRAD stand
(International Agricultural Show - Paris-Porte de Versailles - hall 4, allée C, 100)
Tasting workshops, on Monday 25 February by reservation at daphne@sowine.com or 01 78 94 94 56