Ivorian attiéké, this fermented cassava semolina, has just obtained its official label. From now on, this name can only be used for products manufactured in Ivory Coast. The African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) recently published the registration certificate for attiéké as a “collective trademark”.
This semolina, eaten wet with a slightly sour taste, is often served with fried fish or dishes with sauce. Paul Assandé, director general of the Ivorian Office for Intellectual Protection (OIPI), emphasizes that attiéké is an inseparable element of the cultural heritage of Côte d’Ivoire. It was crucial for the State to protect this designation.
According to him, attiéké is decisive for the identity of Côte d’Ivoire and it was crucial to find a way to prevent other countries from being able to use this name to sell their own cassava semolina. Today, with the registration of attiéké as a collective brand, Côte d’Ivoire has the legal means to prevent the use of this designation by others.
Attiéké producers, like Aramatou Coulibaly, general director of Ramacereal, hope that this measure will strengthen the image and commercial value of the product. She believes that the labeling will provide official recognition of the quality and origin of the product, thus protecting Ivorian producers against counterfeiting and imitation. This will strengthen the reputation of attiéké in international markets and ensure consumers are purchasing the real attiéké.
For the moment, this measure is only valid in West Africa, but the OIPI has already taken steps to extend the protection of the collective mark in Europe and the United States, ultimately aiming for worldwide protection.
