INDICATION OF ORIGIN “SÃO MATEUS” FOR PINK PEPPER IN ESPÍRITO SANTO

Abstract

The aroeira or Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) is native to the Atlantic Forest Biome and its fruit, the pink pepper, is a Brazilian export product that, due to its flavoring characteristics and chemopreventive substances, such as flavonoids and other phenolic compounds, stands out in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. The state of Espírito Santo, the largest producer and exporter of pink pepper in the country, meets growing demand in the international market and seeks new markets. Since 2016, the Capixaba Institute for Research, Technical Assistance and Rural Extension (Incaper) created the Working Group “GT Aroeira”, including researchers and rural extension workers to meet the demands arising from the transition from purely extractive activities to commercial cultivation of aroeira as an agricultural crop. In 2019, the Aroeira Producers Association of Espírito Santo
(Nativa) applied to the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) for the Geographical Indication (IG) of Espírito Santo pink pepper, in the Indication of Origin (IP) sub-type. This certification represents a major advance for the activity, qualifying the product and valuing the actors who are dedicated to fulfilling all the requirements of good practices in the various links of the production chain. The Nativa must accompany the process ensuring the good use of this register, and avoiding discontinuity of actions and disuse of the IP. In view of the consolidation of the work, Incaper, with the Institute of Innovation and Sustainable Technologies (Inovates) and partner institutions adjusted the route of the IG referrals, subsidizing a new request from Nativa for the delimitation of the geographical area of the Indication of Origin “SÃO MATEUS” for the Pink Pepper in Espírito Santo.