Brazil’s National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) has recognized Região do Cará, in the state of Goiás, as a Geographical Indication for artisanal cassava starch.

Published in the Industrial Property Gazette on September 15, 2026, the registration was granted as an Indication of Source and is Brazil’s first Geographical Indication for this type of product.

The registration also became the 180th Geographical Indication recognized by INPI.

Located south of Bela Vista de Goiás, Região do Cará has developed a traditional artisanal production method over more than six decades.

According to INPI, local knowledge has been passed through generations of small rural producers and includes manual cassava peeling and open-air drying on traditional raised structures.

These practices contribute to the product’s granular texture, characteristic white color and slightly sour flavor resulting from natural fermentation.

What does the registration protect?

Under Brazilian industrial property law, an Indication of Source identifies a geographical name that has become recognized as a center for the production, extraction or manufacture of a particular product or service.

The Região do Cará registration therefore formally recognizes the territory’s reputation for cassava starch production.

The use of a registered Geographical Indication is restricted to producers established within the relevant geographical area, subject to the applicable conditions and specifications.

Technical specifications become particularly important

The registration is supported by a Technical Specifications Book establishing the geographical boundaries, production standards, control mechanisms and conditions governing use of the Geographical Indication.

For companies operating within the food supply chain, this creates relevant compliance considerations.

Manufacturers, distributors, retailers and companies using cassava starch as an ingredient should carefully review references to Região do Cará in packaging, advertising, supply contracts and other commercial communications.

Supply chain and contracts

Companies sourcing cassava starch associated with the protected region may need stronger traceability mechanisms.

Supply agreements may address origin documentation, compliance requirements, supplier responsibilities and evidence supporting the legitimate use of the geographical name.

The issue may become particularly relevant when processed foods highlight the protected ingredient.

Communications should avoid suggesting that the finished product itself benefits from the Geographical Indication when the protection applies only to the specific ingredient used.

Origin as an intellectual property asset

A Geographical Indication is more than an origin statement.

It may contribute to product differentiation, preservation of local knowledge, regional development and increased commercial recognition.

For Região do Cará producers, the registration formally protects a reputation built over decades.

For companies throughout the supply chain, however, the recognition also highlights the growing connection between intellectual property, sourcing, contracts, product labeling and marketing communications.

As geographical origin becomes part of a product’s commercial value, traceability and appropriate use of the protected designation become increasingly important elements of corporate risk management.