Brazil's Geographical Indication Products Spur Gastronomic Tourism Across the Americas

Brazil's Geographical Indication (Denominação de Origem) certification, overseen by the Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (INPI) and the Ministry of Agriculture, guarantees that foods and drinks such as wines, cachaças, cheeses and honey reflect the specific natural and cultural conditions of their region. The label adds market value, supports local producers and enables bars and restaurants to offer authentic culinary experiences. For example, Alambique Rein in Luiz Alves (Santa Catarina) sells cachaças and other spirits that carry the DO seal, meeting strict criteria on native yeast, soil, climate and traditional techniques.

At the same time, the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s office for the Americas and Caribbean, newly opened in Rio de Janeiro, is promoting enotourism as a development tool for wine‑producing regions across the continent. In partnership with Revista ADEGA, UN Tourism organized the I Forum of Enotourism and Gastronomy of the Americas to discuss public‑policy support, credit lines, integrated wine‑route calendars and infrastructure improvements. Participants highlighted that wine tourism can generate revenue comparable to wine sales, benefiting hotels, restaurants and local commerce, and may serve as a model for other gastronomic routes such as coffee, cheese, chocolate and olive oil.