Scotch whisky is now officially recognised in China.
It's great news for Scotland's £multi-billion drinks industry.
And it'll help prevent many copycat fraudsters from muscling in and profiting from Scotland's world-famous tipple.
The Chinese announcement today in Beijing recognises Scotch whisky as a GI - a geographic indication. - the highest level of trademark protection.
The move follows a meeting between the UK government's business secretary Vince Cable and China's Zhi Shuping, minister for quality, supervision, inspection and quarantine.
Now only whisky produced in Scotland will be allowed to use the Scotch whisky name.
The Scotch Whisky Association says whisky exports to China are worth an estimated £80 million annually. Some 10 years ago, the figure was a mere £1.5 million.
Scotch whisky is worth around £3 billion annually to the Scottish economy - and growing every year.
... proving once again, that a drunken Scotsman will believe anything.
ReplyDeleteIf it were not for counterfeits, the Chinese economy and our trade deficit would be half the current size...