In Japan expensive Yubari melons, a status symbol akin to a fine wine, have become protected products after being granted special status. With the new designation, anyone using the registered brand without permission could face penalties. The designation also means increased pressure on maintaining the quality of the product.
The government hopes to boost exports of made-in-Japan premium agriculture products as local farmers could face competition from cheaper imports with the recently concluded Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact.
Yubari melons are often bought for high prices as a gift for friends and colleagues. A single pair of the melons fetched 1.5 million yen at an auction in Japan in May.
The best-quality Yubari melons are perfect spheres with a smooth, evenly patterned rind.
Funatsu, who has been a melon farmer for more than 30 years, said maintaining quality and brand is not easy, adding Yubari melons are a “high-maintenance fruit”.
Pumpkins from Ibaraki also received geographic indications, the ministry said.
(1 Japanese Yen=0.0083 US Dollars)
Source: japantoday.com
