Guinea’s ‘Ananas Baronne de Friguiagbé’ earns protected geographical indication status

GUINEA – Guinea has taken a major step toward promoting its agricultural heritage as the Ananas Baronne de Friguiagbé has officially received the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) label from the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI).

The announcement came on October 22, when the organization handed over the registration certificate to Guinean authorities.

The new PGI label secures the identity and quality of the Baronne pineapple, ensuring that only produce grown in Friguiagbé can carry the name. This certification not only safeguards the fruit’s origin but also guarantees consumers an authentic product.

Cultivated in the fertile soils of Friguiagbé, a region known for its favorable climate, the Baronne pineapple has long stood out for its unique traits. Farmers describe it as a delicate variety to grow because of the many spines on its leaves.

Yet, the effort pays off. The fruit has a golden-yellow flesh that is slightly fibrous, juicy, sweet, and aromatic, making it especially popular among processors.

“This label recognizes the hard work of our farmers and gives us confidence that our pineapple will reach markets that value quality and traceability,” said a representative from Guinea’s Ministry of Agriculture during the handover ceremony.

Boost for local farmers and rural development

The PGI status promises broader economic benefits for communities involved in its cultivation and processing. By linking a product’s quality to its origin, the certification adds value along the production, processing, and distribution chain. It also helps attract niche markets and supports the development of related sectors such as agritourism.

“Protected Geographical Indications help preserve rural traditions while creating income opportunities for producers,” said an OAPI official. “They show that identity and quality can drive competitiveness in African agriculture.”

The Baronne pineapple now joins Guinea’s Café Ziama-Macenta as the second agricultural product in the country to hold a PGI label.

The PGI certification of the Baronne pineapple began in 2021 under the second phase of the Project for the Promotion of Geographical Indications in Africa (PAMPIG2). The project, run by OAPI with support from the French Development Agency (AFD), aims to strengthen value chains through product recognition and protection.

Officials hope this success will encourage other Guinean producers to pursue similar recognition for their regional specialties. “With this achievement, we want to inspire more local products to follow this path,” said an AFD project coordinator.

As Guinea continues to highlight the uniqueness of its agricultural products, the Ananas Baronne de Friguiagbé stands as a symbol of local pride and a model for sustainable rural growth.

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.