The Welsh government, has today announced that single malt Welsh
whisky is now officially protected, after it secured PGI (Protected Geographical
Indication) UK GI status.
This is the first new UK spirit to achieve GI status since
the UKGI was launched and also becomes Wales’s first GI spirit.
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| Single malt Welsh whisky given protected status |
Single malt Welsh whisky is now the 20th member of the Welsh GI family of products, joining the likes of Anglesey Sea Salt PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), PGI Welsh Lamb, PGI Welsh Beef and Welsh Leeks PGI.
The UK GI scheme was established at the beginning of 2021,
following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, and ensures certain food and drink
products can continue to receive legal protection against imitation and misuse.
The increase in Welsh whisky producers has led to a
collective of four Welsh distilleries being part of the final application for
PGI status - Penderyn, In the Welsh Wind, Da Mhile, and Coles.
Commenting on the news, Stephen Davies, Chief Executive at
Penderyn said: "The achievement of UKGI status for Single Malt Welsh
Whisky is a significant milestone for Penderyn as a producer, and also for the
wider Welsh whisky industry. It assists
in safeguarding both the quality of the product and also its source of origin. It’s
an exciting step forward and one that puts focus on an industry that has been
growing steadily over the last 20 years."
Single malt Welsh whisky makes a significant contribution to
the food and drink economy of Wales and is now one of Wales’ most influential
exports, currently being exported to over 45 countries. It is forecast to
generate a revenue of £23 million in the current financial year including
domestic, export and travel retail sales.
Posted by Steve Rush