Taiwanese tea farmers get tough on counterfeiters

The Chiayi County government and tea farmers associations in the Alishan (also known as Ali Mountain) region of Taiwan have announced plans to register the geographical indications Alishan and Ali Mountain as trademarks in China.

Alishan is located in the south of Taiwan and offers excellent conditions for the cultivation of tea. The tea farmers associations and Chiayi County government have played an active role in building up the reputation of Alishan tea and it is now highly prized throughout Asia.

This strong reputation has attracted the attention of counterfeiters, and the Chiayi County government and Alishan farmers have become aware that fake versions of Alishan tea are on the market in China. In response, the farmers have announced that they formally plan to register the geographical indications Alishan and Ali Mountain as trademarks in China. In addition, changes have been made to the packaging of Alishan tea. Special swabs have been added. Consumers rub the swab over a symbol on the packaging and if the symbol changes colour the tea is authentic. It is hoped that these measures will help to deter counterfeiters.

Megan Shao, Winkler Partners, Taipei