New post-Brexit 'special status' logos good news for Moray's whisky distillers – MP
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MORAY'S MP has welcomed new UK Government schemes to provide special status for iconic food and drink products such as Scotch whisky.
The UK Government announced on October 22 that new and independent Geographical Indicators (GI) schemes will guarantee the authenticity and origin of British produce.
This includes products such as Scotch whisky, Arbroath Smokies and Stornoway Black Pudding.
Three new logos have been designed to guard against imitation.
The rules will take effect from January 1 next year, after the end of the EU Transition Period.
Scottish Conservative MP Douglas Ross said: "Scotland benefits hugely from geographic indicators that protect our famous food and drink produce that is in demand all over the world.
"That of course includes Scotch whisky and the famous brands across the country – many of which are distilled here in Moray.
"This new UK scheme will replace the former EU rules and will guarantee authenticity for customers and guard against inferior imitations.
"Geographic indicators will be important as the UK continues to negotiate free trade agreements with major economies around the world.
"There are huge opportunities to boost our export market for produce such as whisky in deals such as the one signed recently with Japan.
"This is good news for the whisky industry here in Moray and across Scotland."
All UK products currently protected under the EU’s GI schemes will continue to be protected in the UK and the EU after the end of the transition period.
Producers will have until January 1, 2024, to alter their packaging to show the new UK GI logos.
