Cumbum grapes just received the Geographical Indication (GI) label. This is the famous Cumbum Panneer Thratchai from Tamil Nadu, commonly known as Cumbum grapes. Additionally, Malai Poondu from Kodaikanal, Srivilliputtur Palkova and Palani Panchamirtham have also been awarded the GI tag.

• The Kaamayam Thratchai Vivasayigal Sangam, Theni filed the application for this particular product. The application was further facilitated by Nabard’s Madurai Agribusiness Incubation Forum. However, “Kaamayam Thratchai Vivasayigal Sangam” is a registered association of farmers under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act. Chinnaraja G. Naidu who is the Deputy Registrar of Geographical Indications also confirmed this news that an application has been filed by the association of farmers seeking GI tag for ‘Cumbum Panneer Thratchai’.
• The Cumbum valley  also called Kambam Valley located at the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu is known as the ‘Grapes city of South India’ and cultivates the Panneer Thratchai. 
• The valley includes lands between Thekkadi Hills, Varusanadu Hills, and Kodaikanal Hills.
• This variety which is also known as Muscat Hamburg constitutes almost 85% of the grape-growing areas in Tamil Nadu.
• Theni district is one of the highest grapes producing areas of Panneer Thratchai. 
• However, the ‘Panneer’ variety is chiefly associated with Cumbum Valley, where the cultivation area covers around 2,000 acres at 10 villages
• The agro climate and the soil condition of the Cumbum region is very conducive for the cultivation of the Muscat variety. This variety is popular for its quick growth and early maturity. This ensures that the crop is available in the market almost throughout the year.