The Commerce Ministry has agreed to grant GI status to 'Alleppey Coir' under the Geographical Indications Act, 1999 (herein after the GI Act). Followed by Arammulla, District of Alleppey is the second one to make Kerala pride. Earlier, Aranmula village bagged GI registration for 'Aranmula Kannadi', unique mirrors which are a result of Kerala's rich cultural and metallugical traditions.

It is a long awaited dream for the people of District of Alleppey which was initiated by Coir Board, functioning under the Ministry of Agro & Rural Industries by making an application for Alleppey Coir to get registration under the GI Act. Alleppey started its first coir factory in 1859 and soon became a trading centre of coir in India. Even after 1920, when the commercial importance of district of Alleppey began to decline due to development of Cochin into a major port, Alleppey remained a major centre for trade in coir. 'Alleppey Coir' attains its uniqueness due to its exclusive weaving techniques and process attached with the skill and craftsmanship of the workers and the design for weaving for floor coverings etc.

The production method of the product undergoes storing, dyeing, winding, wrapping and beaming, weaving, finishing and bundling. There are various usages for the product and coir mats and matting are the most prominent among them.

The GI registration to the 'Alleppey Coir' will certainly increase its brand value improving its economic value in the market. Apart from this, GI registration might enhance the export of the 'Alleppey Coir' and is expected to provide a better understanding of the product globally which can furnish an edge to the coir industry to reap the advantages and premium in the market. The GI registration will give a legal identity to the coir industry of district of Alleppey which will preclude others from infringing and imitating on native art forms.

The Commerce Ministry will formally hand over the registration certificate on July 24, 2007.