A geographical indication, or GI, is an identifying label used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. GIs generally protect agricultural products, foodstuffs, wines and spirits, handicrafts and industrial products.

Here are some of the GIs in Shanghai city in East China.

Chongming Rice

Chongming Island is located at the mouth of the Yangtze River and the alkaline soil there is very suitable for rice growth. After being cooked, it is soft and glutinous, with a bit of a sweet taste to it.

The GI trademark for Chongming Rice was registered in 2019, with the support of the Chongming district intellectual property office. In 2021, guided by the Shanghai Intellectual Property Administration, special protection for Chongming Rice was enforced throughout Shanghai. 

At present, the Chongming Rice brand has 3,780 hectares of planting area under cultivation, with annual rice output of about 20,000 metric tons per year. Its brand value was estimated at 2.48 billion yuan ($389.47 million) in 2020. 

Nanhui Peach

The Nanhui Peach is a rare peach with thin skin and thick flesh. It tastes juicy and sweet. The Nanhui Peach has been under GI protection since 2005 and in 2010, the Nanhui Peach GI trademark was approved.

Over the years, Shanghai's Pudong New Area has been improving its planting, picking, packaging and other technical standards and has moved to boost its brand influence and product quality.

In 2020, the output value of Nanhui Peach products exceeded 370 million yuan and it also made the list of China's most valuable brands that year, with an estimated brand value of 1.25 billion yuan. 

In 2021, the China National Intellectual Property Administration gave its approval for Pudong New Area to establish a national demonstration area for the protection of the Nanhui Peach.

Liantang Water Bamboo

Liantang town in Qingpu district, located to the southwest of Shanghai, has been a land of fish and rice since ancient times. In 2008, Liantang Water Bamboo was protected as a GI product.

Liantang Water Bamboo producers have worked with large supermarket chains and e-commerce platforms to further expand market channels and reach more consumers.

In 2020, its cultivation area covered about 1,300 ha, with an annual output of 80,000 tons and an annual output value of 300 million yuan. In the wake of getting its GI, the water bamboo industry has developed into Liantang town's leading industry and is one of the main sources of farmers' incomes.   

Malu Grape

The Malu Grape from Shanghai's Jiading district is favored by consumers for its excellent quality, rich taste and nutrition. 

In 2003, the "Malu" trademark was registered, with a free license issued to grape farmer cooperatives and farmers. In 2021, the total planting area for Malu grapes was 301 ha and the total output value was 109 million yuan. 

In 2014, the name Malu Grape was registered as a GI trademark. In recent years, online sales of the grape has continued to grow. Through the use inflatable packaging to absorb shocks and avoid bruising, sales have expanded to more than 70 cities in more than 20 provinces in China.