Taskforce set up to curb counterfeit Blue Mountain

“We have numerous reports from persons staying at some of our hotels that the taste profile of coffee purported to be Blue Mountain coffee is different,” said the Chairman of Jamaica’s Coffee Industry Board, Delano Franklyn.

Mr Franklyn was speaking at a media event earlier this weekend organised to discuss the problematic rise of counterfeit Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, and announce the formation of a Brand Infringement and Enforcement Taskforce.

It is believed that the newly created group will begin operating immediately and that some raids will be conducted “before Christmas”.

Jamaican Blue Mountain – as many of readers will probably be aware of – is a certain classification of coffee grown on the Blue Mountain range. Over the years it has grown in popularity and due to its mild taste it has become one of the most expensive, sought-after and critically acclaimed coffees in the world.

Over 80% of the legitimate beans are believed to be shipped to Japan, with the rest exported around the world. With demand outstripping supply, there is the obvious opportunity for purposeful misspelling in order to secure a monetary gain.

According to Mr Franklyn, the Board has been receiving complaints from around the world regarding this matter for a while now.

Initial investigations have found a number of instances where coffee grown, “roasted and packaged by small farmers in Portland, Jamaica,” were being sold under a false Blue Mountain banner in the United States, Spain and Germany.

Reports indicate that those individuals involved with the illegal trade of coffee which violates the long-standing and established trademark could face a potential fine of up to $600,000, or be sentenced to six months in prison.

It is no surprise that the Coffee Industry Board has acted quickly. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Coffee Marls Limited, the Board actually own the Jamaica Blue Mountain trademark.

Photo: By Mariordo Mario Roberto Duran Ortiz (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons