Uthukuli Vennai (Uthukuli Butter), one of Tamil Nadu’s most celebrated artisanal dairy products, is moving closer to securing Geographical Indication (GI) status, a step that would provide legal protection for its unique identity and traditional production methods.
The application for GI registration was filed with the Government of India’s Geographical Indications Registry on 9 April 2024 under Class 29 (Food Stuffs) and is currently in the pre-examination stage.
Uthukuli Butter is produced in Uthukuli Taluk of Tiruppur district, where multi-generational dairy farming and traditional butter-making have been integral to the local economy for centuries. Unlike industrially manufactured butter, it is produced on a small scale using milk sourced from nearby farmers, preserving its natural aroma, creamy consistency and distinctive mildly tangy flavour with minimal industrial intervention.
The butter is recognised for its pale white to light cream colour, non-glossy appearance, smooth texture and comparatively long shelf life, characteristics attributed to the region’s geographical conditions and time-tested production techniques. Widely used in traditional South Indian dishes such as idli, dosa and pongal, as well as festive sweets, Uthukuli Butter has become an important cultural and economic asset for the region.
Industry observers believe that securing GI status would strengthen brand value, safeguard traditional knowledge, enhance market opportunities for local producers and support the long-term sustainability of this heritage dairy product.
Source: Dairynews7x7 2 July, 2026 Read full story here