In a bid to uplift the status of cashew distillates, the Goa government has initiated the process to secure a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for urrak, a beverage crafted from cashew apple juice.
This move follows the earlier success of attaining GI certification for Cashew Feni.
Deviya Rane, Chairperson of the Goa Forest Development Corporation and MLA of Poriem, emphasised the need to reshape the perception of cashew-based spirits. "Cashews shouldn't be known as a poor man's drink or merely country liquor. They deserve to be recognised as premium spirits on par with the finest liquors worldwide. Both Feni and urrak must ascend to that level," expressed Rane.
Rane further clarified the importance of obtaining a GI tag for urrak. "We have submitted a proposal to secure a GI tag for urrak, and the process is underway. Once granted, urrak will be available in bottled form, exclusively produced in Goa with authentic Goan cashews, ensuring purity and quality. No other state will be permitted to market their product as urrak, now all that is coming into Goa is a mixture," said Rane.
