Sơn Tra Apple gets trademark protection

A farmer harvests Sơn Tra apple in Sơn La. – Photo baosonla.org.vn

HÀ NỘI — The National Office of Intellectual Property of Việt Nam on Saturday granted a trademark protection certificate for Sơn Tra, or H’mông, apple (scientific name docynia indica) in northern mountainous Sơn La province’s Bắc Yên District.

Sơn Tra apples are grown mainly in forests in Bắc Yên, Mường La and Thuận Chuâu districts.

The fruit is known to have health benefits, such as treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, fat reduction, stabilising blood pressure and beneficial for those with cardiovascular disease.

The tree’s deep roots also helps prevent land erosion.

The price of the fruit has increased from VNĐ5,000 (US$0.22) per kilo in 2006 to around VNĐ20,000 currently.

The granting of trademark protection would create grounds for expanding plantations and the market for Sơn Tra apple.

Lê Văn Kỳ, Chairman of Bắc Yên District People’s Committee, said that attention would be paid on finding new markets for Sơn Tra to boost exports.

Source: vietnamnews.vn