Thiruvananthapuram: Ten new products manufactured in Kerala, including tea, coffee and honey, are set to be marketed under the ‘Made in Kerala’ brand. The initiative aims to promote products from manufacturing units that meet government-specified quality standards and conditions in both domestic and international markets.

The state had introduced brand certification standards for coconut oil two years ago. The ‘Made in Kerala’ label is granted after inspections by taluk- and state-level committees and is valid for two years.

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Tea: Up to 30% blending allowed

Under the new rules, tea blending units will be permitted to include up to 30% tea sourced from other states and still qualify for the Kerala Brand label. However, this provision has drawn criticism, with farmer representatives alleging that the rule favours large producers. They argue that if the standards are diluted to suit big players, small-scale producers will be deprived of any real benefit.

Stricter conditions for coffee and other products

For coffee to qualify for the Kerala Brand, it must be produced within the state and processed, including roasting, in Kerala-based units. Similarly, products such as bottled water and rubber gloves must be entirely manufactured within Kerala to obtain the certification.