Distillers say they dilute essence of Goa’s heritage liquor
Panaji: Ahead of the Feni season in the state, Goan Feni distillers are seeking measures on the part of the government to restrict large scale import of cashew apples from Maharashtra, which, they say, is diluting the essence of the state’s heritage liquor.
According to the distillers, around 60% of the Feni available in the market is derived from cashew apples that come from Maharashtra and are used by the small distillers dotting the state.
“The Feni made by the unregulated distillers is a product of Maharashtra cashew apples and it is of inferior quality,” said a distiller. He said most of Feni retailed in liquor shops in the North Goa coastal belt of Candolim-Calangute-Baga is of lesser known brands that sell poor quality Feni made from cashew apples brought from the neighbouring state.
However, Goa Cashew Feni Distillers and Bottlers Association (GCFDBA) president Gurudutt Bhakta said the industry as such supports imports of cashew apples from Maharashtra, as it keeps the numerous small distillers in business. “Distillers who use cashew apples from other states are not allowed to use GI logo for the drink,” he said.
The GCFDBA president pointed out that poor availability of local cashew apples is forcing Goan distillers to source their supply of raw material from other states. “Majority of small distillers will be wiped off if they are unable to procure cashew apples from outside,” said Bhakta.
He said Feni distillation in the state for the ongoing season is yet to take off due to a late cashew crop. A few distillers have started Feni production as of now. “By this time of the year in 2024, distillers had already started making Feni,” he said.
According to the excise department, the state has about 700 cashew Feni distillers, of which only a handful are large distillery units that are expected to go in for the GI logo. So far, only one distillery unit Cazcar Distillery, Tuem, has received the permission to use the GI logo on the heritage drink, while a second application for GI inspection is awaiting approval from the excise department.
The unique selling point (USP) of the Goan cashew Feni is its uniqueness, as it is derived from ripe cashew apples that are not plucked but collected from ground by plantation workers. The state government is urging more Feni distillers to seek GI logo for the drink.
