By The Hindu Bureau

Copyright thehindu

The Directorate of Industries and Commerce has completed a comprehensive survey that covered 1,124 manufacturing units across the State, examining product quality, production processes, ethical and sustainable practices, and safety standards, as part of the first phase of the ‘Kerala Brand’ project. The findings will be used to create a robust certification framework that will allow eligible manufacturers to sell their products under the ‘Kerala Brand’ label, improving their acceptance and competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.

The first set of products selected for the Kerala Brand certification is coffee, tea, honey, ghee, bottled water, plywood, footwear, PVC pipes, surgical rubber gloves, and cattle feed. Earlier, coconut oil was certified as the first product under this initiative. Industries Minister P. Rajeeve said that the ‘Kerala Brand’ project is a major milestone in Kerala’s industrial policy. “Our goal is to provide Kerala’s products with a global mark of quality and reliability. This initiative will open up significant opportunities for our manufacturers in national and international markets,” he said.

The survey was conducted by a team led by the General Managers of District Industries Centres, with the support of Industrial Extension Officers, Assistant District Industries Officers, and Business Development Service Providers. Data was collected through direct visits to manufacturing units across Kerala.

Director of Industries and Commerce, P. Vishnu Raj said that the data gathered through the survey will help the department to create clear guidelines to enhance product standards, ensuring greater global recognition for Kerala’s products.