Protected Geographical Indication of Strong Alcoholic Beverage "Institutova Lozova Rakija"

The establishment of a system for the protection and enhancement of the value of agricultural products and food with geographical indications, as well as a system for the protection of products with special properties and characteristics derived from traditional production methods, forms the basis of quality policy. Worldwide, consumer demands for food and agricultural products bearing a certain quality mark are increasing, especially those linked to origin, tradition, and specific knowledge and skills. The uniqueness of Institutova rakija lies in the use of spontaneous fermentation, where indigenous microorganisms naturally present on grapes create a distinctive aromatic and sensory profile characteristic of the region of origin, along with traditional distillation processes. The geographical indication "Institutova lozova rakija" covers two subcategories: "Institutova lozova rakija" and "Institutova muskatna lozova rakija," both sharing the same fundamental properties related to geographical origin. Both subcategories belong to the group of strong alcoholic beverages (fruit brandies) and are produced using the same technological process, differing only in raw material composition. Protecting the quality of agricultural products through geographical indication names is one of the most important strengths of Montenegrin agriculture, as it provides a competitive advantage and ensures the survival of small, specific, and traditional producers, contributing significantly to the preservation of cultural and gastronomic heritage.