GI Application No.: BT/GI/03
Date of Filing: 12 January 2026
Geographical Indication: Merak Sakteng Zoetey
Type of Goods: Agricultural Products and Foodstuffs
Applicant:
Merak-Sakteng Zoetey Cooperative
Trashigang
Geographical Area:
The geographical area covers Merak and Sakteng gewogs in Trashigang District, Bhutan. Extended seasonal grazing occurs in Phongmey, Radhi, Shongphu, Samkhar, Kanglung, Khaling, Thrimshing, and Kangpar (Trashigang); Yalang (Trashiyangtse); and Lauri (Samdrupjongkhar).
Description of the Goods:
Merak- Sakteng Zoetey is semi-hard, naturally fermented cheese made from Yak and Zomo milk. No preservatives, additives, or microbial cultures are used. This cheese is aged in cattle hide for 6-12 months at altitudes ranging from 2,500-4,500 m.a.s.l. Zoetey typically develops a brownish-yellow crust and a yellowish-white core, with creamy tones emerging with age. It has a pungent aroma when young that mellows over time, and its flavour evolves from sharp sourness into mildly bitter and salty notes with lingering sourness.
Proof of Origin:
The origin of Merak-Sakteng Zoetey is ensured through a structured traceability and control system. Only Brokpa producers from the defined geographical area of Merak and Sakteng and their designated grazing grounds are authorized to produce the cheese. All stages of production such as grazing, milking, cheese processing, fermentation in cattle hide, and maturation are carried out exclusively within this area. Producers and value-chain actors are registered, production batches are identified and recorded, and regular internal and external inspections are conducted to verify compliance with the product specifications and geographical origin.
Inspection Body:
Bhutan Food and Drug Authority
Thimphu
