SOURCE: Nation Thailand
The Department of Intellectual Property has registered Chumphon’s “Sawi pineapple” as the province’s seventh GI product, highlighting its Queen variety, sweet-crisp taste and strong aroma.
The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) has registered the “Sawi pineapple” as a new geographical indication (GI) product for Chumphon province, according to Auramon Supthaweethum, Director-General of the department under the Ministry of Commerce.
Auramon said the GI registration was announced late last year, making the Sawi pineapple the seventh GI product from Chumphon.
The Sawi pineapple is a Queen variety grown in Sawi district, where the terrain ranges from foothill slopes to low-lying plains. The area’s well-drained soil and mineral-rich water sources from the Tanaosri Hills help produce pineapples known for their sweet, crisp flesh and distinctive aroma.
The fruit is also recognised for its small, slightly raised eyes, deep grooves, dry flesh with a deep yellow colour, low fibre content, and a crunchy core that can be eaten.
A well-known local gift, the Sawi pineapple is sold widely along Phet Kasem Road (Highway 41) in both directions, a key route to Thailand’s southern provinces. Its quality and taste have made it a popular choice among travellers.
Auramon said the Sawi pineapple joins six other Chumphon GI products: Chumphon Leb Mue Nang bananas, Hom Thong Lamae bananas, Leuang Patew Chumphon rice, Khao Thalu coffee, Tham Sing Chumphon coffee, and Chumphon durian.
She said the six previously registered GI products generate a combined value of more than 32.02 billion baht a year for the province, reflecting Chumphon’s strength as a high-quality and abundant food-producing area.