Cumbum Paneer Thratchai (Grapes)

Name: Cumbum Paneer Thratchai (Grapes)
Brand: Cumbum Valley Fruit Growers Association

Registry facts for Cumbum Paneer Thratchai (Grapes)
GI number	GI-13
Typical price	₹100 - ₹250 per kg
Verified cooperatives	Cumbum Valley Fruit Growers Association
State	Tamil Nadu

About Cumbum Paneer Thratchai (Grapes)

Cumbum Paneer Thratchai is a variety of dark purple grapes grown in the Cumbum valley of Theni district in Tamil Nadu. Thratchai is the Tamil word for grapes. The fruit is known for its deep colour and sweet flavour, and it is mostly eaten fresh, though some of it goes to juice and processing. The valley is one of the few places in India where grapes are harvested for much of the year.

Heritage and place

Vineyards here developed in the valley because of its warm climate and irrigation from nearby hills and rivers, which suit grape cultivation. Farmers in Cumbum built up experience with the variety over generations, and it became a regional speciality sold in markets across South India. The GI ties the name to the valley, so grapes from elsewhere cannot be sold under the same identity.

How it is made

Vines are trained on overhead trellises, called pandals, that shade the bunches and keep them off the ground. Farmers prune and manage the vines on a schedule so that harvests can be staggered, giving multiple crops in a year. Bunches are picked by hand when the berries reach the right sweetness, then sorted, packed and moved to market quickly because the fruit is perishable.

Registry record

Cumbum Paneer Thratchai (Grapes) is listed in this catalogue as GI-13, a Geographical Indication tagged product of Tamil Nadu in the agricultural category. The name is legally protected: only producers within the notified region may sell under it. Confirm the entry in the official GI Journal before relying on it commercially.

◈ How to spot a fake Cumbum Paneer Thratchai (Grapes)

What to check

Choose bunches with plump berries that are firmly attached to green, flexible stems. A pale dusty coating, called bloom, is natural and a sign of freshness. Avoid berries that are wrinkled, leaking or have brown stems. Wash grapes just before eating and refrigerate them in a ventilated container. Buying from fruit merchants who source directly from the valley is the best way to get the real Cumbum fruit.

Distinctive deep purplish-black skin texture with medium berries that taste balanced sweet-tart. Imitations lack the consistent cluster density.

Price to expect

Genuine Cumbum Paneer Thratchai (Grapes) typically sells in the range of ₹100 - ₹250 per kg. Prices far below that range are a common sign of an imitation.

Where to buy

Look for authorised sellers such as Cumbum Valley Fruit Growers Association, or government emporia and cooperatives in Tamil Nadu.

Catalogue record

Catalogue record: GI-13 · Tamil Nadu · reviewed 2026-10-02

Frequently asked questions

What is the GI registration number of Cumbum Paneer Thratchai (Grapes)?

This catalogue lists Cumbum Paneer Thratchai (Grapes) as GI-13. Registration numbers should be confirmed against the official GI Journal before commercial use.

Where is Cumbum Paneer Thratchai (Grapes) made?

Cumbum Paneer Thratchai (Grapes) is produced in Tamil Nadu, in the agricultural category of this catalogue.

Can Cumbum Paneer Thratchai (Grapes) legally be made outside Tamil Nadu?

No. GI protection means only producers within the notified region of Tamil Nadu may legally sell goods under the name “Cumbum Paneer Thratchai (Grapes)”.

What does genuine Cumbum Paneer Thratchai (Grapes) cost?

Genuine Cumbum Paneer Thratchai (Grapes) typically sells in the range of ₹100 - ₹250 per kg. Prices far below this range are a common sign of an imitation.

How can I spot a fake Cumbum Paneer Thratchai (Grapes)?

Distinctive deep purplish-black skin texture with medium berries that taste balanced sweet-tart. Imitations lack the consistent cluster density.

Where should I buy genuine Cumbum Paneer Thratchai (Grapes)?