A study case on coffee (Coffea arabica): Limu Coffe - IRD

of the former benefits. The triple connection between product/origin/quality 102
is very
difficult to unambiguously define since there are significant socio-cultural dimensions to it.
Protection of geographical names only requires institutional mechanism ensuring effective
legal protection, whereas the inclusion of quality necessitates a technical definition of
production method, product specifications and consumer understanding of these factors. This
could provoke a wrong choice in the geographical area concerned by the indication as Limu
differently named the coffee producing administrative units by the past.
Consequent value chain changes and premium distribution
The registration of GIs products implies a reorganisation and governance of supply
chains. That reflects the dual requirements for GI protection: coherence in terms of the
distinguishing characteristics between the products made by different producers and firms;
and authenticity in that the production process is consistent with agreed codes. Registration
entails some reorganisation of the existing supply chain, thus generating new opportunities for
some while also creating problems for others.
Producers 27,004
Governance structure
VI: 0
HF: +++
Akhrabies 82 Cooperatives 13
Governance structure
VI 103
: ++
104
HF : +
Governance structure
VI: +
HF: ++
Table 26: Limu Kosa coffee supply chain and governance structure (prod: Bossolasco, 2009)
102
Van der Meulen (2006) described an interesting methodological tool to scientifically define the link between
a product and its place of production. This method lies on originality parameters which are territoriality, typicity,
traditionality, communality and landscapeability.
103
VI = Vertical Integration.
104
HF = Hybrid Form.
135