Why a GI tag for Hapus mangoes could be no more than a case of vanity

Apart from fanning a few egos, little value addition or exclusivity is likely to be added to give the produce the elitist tag that Champagne or Havana cigars enjoy

Last week witnessed a battle royale between Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg on which district would lay claim to be the real home of the Hapus (also called the Alphonso) mango. Truce was finally called, and both districts agreed to bury the hatchet, when The Patents Office convinced both of them to agree to jointly apply for the Alphonso GI (geographical indication) tag.  

As per the WIPO, a geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.

So, if the patent