Safeguarding Culinary Heritage and Boosting Gastronomic Tourism

By Espinosa Bellido Abogados

The National Day of Peruvian Cuisine and Gastronomy is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the country's rich culinary heritage. Indecopi, the National Institute for the Defense of Competition and Protection of Intellectual Property, joined the festive occasion to underscore the role of Guaranteed Traditional Specialties (ETGs) in safeguarding the identity culinary treasures, while simultaneously elevating them and bolstering gastronomic tourism across the nation.

ETGs, in essence, are a powerful instrument of intellectual property, specifically designed to shield the names and recipes of traditional Peruvian dishes, beverages, and other food creations, including cheeses, dairy products, chocolates, and beers, provided they have been prepared following a consistent tradition for at least two decades.

Beyond the legal framework, ETGs carry the inherent ability to enhance the commercial appeal of traditional food products. They serve as informative markers, highlighting the unique attributes of these gastronomic gems, which, in turn, attract culinary enthusiasts and tourists alike. This convergence of cultural preservation and economic revitalization holds immense promise for regional communities.

An exemplary milestone in this culinary journey occurred on May 30, 2023, when the Pan de Anís de Concepción, a culinary treasure originating from the Junín region with a history spanning over 30 years, proudly earned the distinction of being the inaugural Guaranteed Traditional Specialty (ETG) in Peru. This recognition was officially bestowed by Indecopi on June 20, 2023, to the dedicated artisanal bread producers of Concepción. Their unwavering commitment to using traditional ingredients—such as regional wheat flour, meticulously ground on stone, aniseed, and pristine spring water—alongside adhering to time-honored manufacturing methods, which encompass manual dough shaping and rolling, utilization of specialized utensils, and baking in wood-fired ovens, exemplifies the essence of ETGs.

It is essential to acknowledge the legal framework underpinning this initiative. Decree Law No. 1397 introduced ETGs as a vital element of industrial property, with Supreme Decree No. 170-2021-PCM establishing the registration procedure. These regulations are now in full force, and Indecopi remains steadfast in its efforts to encourage the registration of new ETGs, preserving culinary heritage and fostering economic growth.