Maranhão Tiquira granted Geographical Indication status by INPI

The National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) has officially recognized Tiquira from Maranhão as a new Geographical Indication (GI) in Brazil. This recognition brings the national total to 170 GIs, consisting of 136 Indications of Source and 34 Denominations of Origin.

Tiquira is a traditional indigenous distillate made from the alcoholic fermentation and distillation of cassava beijus. The name is derived from the Tupi word ‘tykir’, meaning ‘to fall drop by drop’, referring to the meticulous condensation process during distillation. It is noted as the only cassava-based distillate with continuous and significant production in the country.

The protected region includes several municipalities in rural Maranhão, most notably the community of Guaribas in Urbano Santos, as well as Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro do Maranhão, Santana do Maranhão, and Santa Quitéria do Maranhão. The GI status provides legal protection for the name, helping producers combat imitations and unauthorized use of the designation.

Local production, which has historical roots dating back to the colonial period, is closely tied to family farming. Recent efforts by Sebrae Maranhão and the Guaribas Tiquira Producers and Family Farmers Cooperative (COOPTAF) have helped transition production toward regulated agro-industries, ensuring sanitary controls and quality standardization.