Geographical Indications in Central America: A Narrow Growth

Abstract

The present article examines the current development in Geographical Indications (GI), and similar schemes, in Central America. Also examines the outlook of these GI and other protection schemes in the region, giving particular attention to a dichotomy that justifies their creation: profit maximization and the elaboration of initiatives that foster local-rural development. Using the database from the Organization for an International Geographical Indications Network (oriGIn), this paper identifies an explosion of quality goods protected with GI in Central America since 2010, among which stand out food products, especially coffee and spirits. It is also possible to distinguish some risks associated with GI in Central America: Limited inclusion of actors, associated costs, limited peasant originated products and a concentration of GI in a restricted number of goods. Likewise, it is showed that Central American countries have recently adopted the strategy to protect their GI in international markets using regional and bilateral trade agreements.