• Guinea’s Baronne pineapple earns Protected Geographical Indication status

• PGI ensures origin, quality, and boosts market value of crop

• Baronne is Guinea’s second PGI product after Ziama-Macenta coffee

Guinea’s “Baronne de Friguiagbé” pineapple has officially been granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. The African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) presented the registration certificate to Guinean authorities on Oct. 22.

The PGI label guarantees the authenticity, traceability, and quality of the pineapple, protecting its name and origin from misuse.

Grown in the Friguiagbé region, known for its fertile soil and ideal growing conditions, the Baronne variety stands out from other pineapples cultivated in Guinea. It is distinguished by the numerous spines on its leaves, which make it particularly challenging to cultivate.

Highly valued for processing, the Baronne pineapple is known for its tender texture and deep golden flesh, slightly fibrous, juicy, sweet, and intensely aromatic.

Commercially, PGIs add value along the entire supply chain, from production to processing and distribution, by highlighting a product’s origin and positioning it in niche markets. Related sectors, such as culinary tourism, also benefit, helping to support vibrant rural communities.

The process to obtain PGI status for the Baronne de Friguiagbé pineapple began in 2021 as part of the second phase of the Project to Support the Implementation and Promotion of Geographical Indications in Africa (PAMPIG2), led by OAPI and funded by the French Development Agency (AFD).

The Baronne de Friguiagbé pineapple is now the second agricultural product in Guinea to receive PGI designation, following Ziama-Macenta Coffee.

Stéphanas Assocle