The dehydrated chamomile grown in Mandirituba, in Curitiba’s Metropolitan Region, was recently honored with the recognition of Geographical Indication (GI) by the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI). This milestone, the 14th GI granted in Paraná and the first of 2024, crowns the excellence and tradition of local production, represented by the Association of Chamomile Producers of Mandirituba (CAMANDI).
The granting of the seal in the Indication of Origin category attests to the outstanding quality and the history and expertise of chamomile producers in Mandirituba. According to data from the Department of Rural Economy (DERAL) of the State Department of Agriculture and Supply, the city accounts for about 30% of chamomile production in Paraná, totaling more than 300 tons annually and yielding approximately R$ 5 million in gross revenue.
Chamomile from Mandirituba, besides being used in teas, essences, and pharmaceutical products, also boosts regional tourism, attracting visitors during the crop’s flowering, especially in August and September. This tradition, which dates back almost four decades, was brought by immigrants from Eastern Europe, mainly from Poland and Ukraine, thus becoming an essential part of the local agricultural identity.
The recognition as a GI adds value to the chamomile from Mandirituba, preserves its cultural heritage, and promotes local economic development. According to INPI’s analysis, Mandirituba stands out in chamomile production due to the perfect soil and climate conditions, combined with the producers’ knowledge of its agricultural, food, and medicinal potential.
This distinction, combined with the other 13 already recognized products from Paraná, highlights the state as a reference in GIs in Brazil. Altogether, the country has 120 GIs, showing the importance of this practice in promoting and protecting regional quality products. Thus, chamomile from Mandirituba stands out as a valuable addition to the country’s distinctive products, as well as opens doors to new market opportunities and collaboration among producers, institutions, and consumers interested in authentic and high-quality products.