Ratchaburi Fragrant Coconut Registered as Geographical Indication, Shines in EU Expanding to 27 Countries

The Department of Intellectual Property has registered Ratchaburi Fragrant Coconut as a Geographical Indication (GI) in the European Union, ready to expand into 27 countries and increase market competitiveness. Oramon Supthaweethon, Director-General of the Intellectual Property Department, revealed that on February 18, 2026, the EU published the registration of Thailand's Ratchaburi Fragrant Coconut as a Geographical Indication after Thailand's application in 2023. The EU is a crucial export market for fragrant coconuts, with an average export value of over 300 million baht annually. The GI protection will benefit Thai exports by preventing brand misappropriation, enhancing importer confidence, and expanding trade opportunities to 27 EU member countries including the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Hungary, Czech Republic, Ireland, and Denmark. This will also help create added value and enhance the image of Thailand's high-quality agricultural products, generating sustainable jobs and income for local communities. This registration makes Ratchaburi Fragrant Coconut the first GI product from Ratchaburi province protected internationally and the fifth Thai GI registered in the EU, following Thung Kula Rong Hai Jasmine Rice, Phatthalung Sangkhat Rice, Doi Tung Coffee, and Doi Chiang Coffee. Ratchaburi Fragrant Coconuts are produced in seven districts with low-lying, fertile clay loam soil, influenced by southwest monsoons and the Mae Klong River. The coconuts are known for their sweet, pandan-like flavor, thick soft flesh, and distinctive short variety with fresh green husks. In 2025, production reached 550 million coconuts, with domestic sales of 276 million baht and global exports exceeding 5.244 billion baht.