Ceylon Cinnamon secures two international trademarks

Ceylon Cinnamon, which is Sri Lanka's second global brand, has secured its trademark at two more leading markets - with another country application in the registration process.

Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Bandula Egodage commended the EDB's Agro Division for its efforts at the monthly review meeting of the EDB last week.

Accordingly, the Ceylon Cinnamon trademark is now an official trademark in Peru and Columbia, having completed trademark registration in these markets and the EDB is now awaiting certificates.

The EDB is in the process of accessing the Mexican market as well, through its Madrid registration process due to Mexico's WIPO and Madrid membership in it. In 2012, Mexico was the topmost buyer of Ceylon Cinnamon for the fifth consecutive year.

In 2012, Ceylon Cinnamon exports stood at $129.53 million, growing 6.4% from $121.18 million in 2011. In 2012, the biggest buyer was Mexico followed by the US, Peru, Columbia and Ecuador.

Ceylon Cinnamon has received official certification in the EU and the US. Ceylon Cinnamon has been Sri Lanka's leading spice unique in quality and the way it is produced. It has a global market monopoly of 90% in true cinnamon.

The Ceylon Cinnamon brand promotion program was launched by the EDB to differentiate ‘Ceylon Cinnamon’ from other low quality substitutes in the international market and under this program the ‘Ceylon Cinnamon’ brand and ‘Ceylon Cinnamon’ logo were ceremonially launched at the Presidential Export Award ceremony in June 2011.

The EDB now holds the ownership of the ‘Pure Ceylon Cinnamon’ trademark which was introduced to the world by the government as the second national brand for agriculture products after ‘Pure Ceylon Tea'.