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Dafo Longjing tea leaves. [Photo/Tide News]

The Dafo Longjing tea of Xinchang county, Shaoxing, has been granted geographical indication (GI) product status by the China National Intellectual Property Administration, according to a recent announcement.

Tea production is a pillar of Xinchang's economy, employing nearly 180,000 people. The county produces 5,950 metric tons of tea annually, with a first-industry output value of about 1.5 billion yuan ($206 million), accounting for one-fifth of China's Longjing tea output and value.

The total output value of the county's tea industry chain exceeds 10 billion yuan. Known for its distinctive quality, Dafo Longjing enjoys wide consumer appeal.

Local authorities said the county will focus on improving protection measures for the GI product, aiming to expand the presence of Dafo Longjing nationwide and globally.