Scotland’s whisky industry has secured enhanced legal protection in New Zealand after the Scotch Whisky Association’s application to register 'Scotch Whisky' as a Geographical Indication (GI) was successful.
This means 'Scotch Whisky' can only be used on whisky produced in Scotland in accordance with strict production and labelling requirements. Requirements include that Scotch only be made from the raw materials of water, cereals and yeast and matured in Scotland for at least three years in oak casks.
This is the first foreign GI to be registered by the New Zealand Intellectual Property Office and the scheme is designed to give greater legal protection to domestic and international wines and spirits and protect consumers against fakes.
It comes on the back of a strong year for Scotch in New Zealand as exports rose by 27% in 2017 to almost £8m and the country joins more than 100 other countries which have officially recognised Scotch Whisky as a Scottish product.
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