Phuket's "7-Colored Dragon Shrimp" Receives Geographic Indication (GI) Status as a New Premium Product

The Department of Intellectual Property has registered the 7-colored Phuket Dragon Shrimp as a Geographic Indication (GI), celebrating its local identity with large size and dense, sweet meat. Oramon Saptaveditharm, the Department's director, revealed that this is the 4th GI product from Phuket, following Phuket pineapple, Phuket wild orange, and Phuket pearls. It represents a significant milestone in elevating local fishery products to a premium status with systematic protection of its origin and reputation. The shrimp's uniqueness stems from the Andaman Sea's geographical environment, with optimal salinity and constant water currents influenced by tides. This allows the shrimp to receive maximum natural nutrients while constantly moving against water currents, resulting in dense and thick muscle mass. Combined with local farmers' wisdom of cultivating the shrimp in nets and supplementing their diet with local shellfish high in calcium, the shrimp grow strong and develop impressively. They typically weigh at least 500 grams, with thick, green or sea-colored shells, featuring at least 7 distinct colors. The Phuket Dragon Shrimp is considered a high-potential market product, with an average annual production of 21,670 kilograms and selling for up to 3,000 baht per kilogram, generating over 65 million baht annually. Dubbed the "Foie Gras of the Sea" for its quality and long-standing reputation. Pavarin Ratcharuk (nicknamed Gopan), a shrimp farm owner, expressed pride in the GI registration, believing it will help elevate the local product to international standards, increase value, and boost consumer confidence in the product's quality and origin.