Goa to host meeting to discuss future of feni

PANAJI–Goa will host a stakeholders meet on January 23 to discuss the future of feni, a popular alcoholic drink manufactured from distillation of cashew juice or coconut toddy, a government spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The day-long meet which will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar will be attended by coconut and cashew farmers, officials of the excise department, feni distillers, historians as well as mixologists, who will deliberate on ways and means to popularise and develop the drink further.

“The meet is to seek inputs, suggestions, ideas from all stakeholders of feni for drawing the benefits of GI (Geographical Indication) and the development of the drink, cashew feni and coconut feni,” he said.

“The meet will be attended by farmers, distillers, bottlers, heads of government departments, media, historians,” the spokesperson said.

Cheap and available aplenty, cashew and coconut feni are popular drinks synonymous with Goa.

The BJP-led coalition government over the last couple of years, has been trying to tap the local alcoholic brews to boost tourism.