Maras Salt becomes the first geographical indication of Peru

The National Institute for the Defense of Competition and the Protection of Intellectual Property (Indecopi) of Peru has recognized Maras Salt as the country's first geographical indication (GI), protecting its authenticity and quality. This distinction will benefit 633 producing families in the Maras district, Cusco region. The certification was obtained through a collaboration between Indecopi, local producers, and the Swiss Economic Cooperation (SECO) as part of the Peruvian-Swiss Project on Intellectual Property (Pesipro) phase II. Maras Salt is renowned for its unique mineral composition and flavor, and with this certification, producing families will have access to new international markets, increasing the value of their product.

The National Institute for the Defense of Competition and the Protection of Intellectual Property (Indecopi) awarded the certificate that recognizes Maras Salt as the first geographical indication (GI) of Peru, guaranteeing its authenticity and quality both in the national and international market. This distinction will directly benefit 633 producing families in the district of Maras, province of Urubamba, Cusco region. The president of Indecopi, Alberto Villanueva Eslava, highlighted that this recognition of Maras Salt represents a milestone for the promotion of its origin, quality and authenticity. “For centuries, the salt mines of Maras have witnessed the efforts of generations who, with traditional methods, extract a salt that is unique in flavor and beneficial to health,” he said. The historic ceremony held in the emblematic salt mines of Maras, brought together prominent authorities, such as the Swiss ambassador to Peru, Paul Garnier; the global director of Swiss Economic ...