(Heraldscotland.com) Scotch whisky sales are likely to get a boost after being granted official protection by the Government in Panama, in a move to safeguard Scotland’s national drink against imitations.
The Scotch Whisky Association yesterday said that “authorities in Panama” had approved its application, lodged in May, for Scotch whisky to be registered and protected as a “geographical indication of origin”.
Panama is Scotch whisky’s 20th largest export market, with shipments reaching £42 million in customs value in 2009. The SWA said export values are now 2.5 times greater than they were a decade ago.
The announcement comes weeks after the Chinese Government guaranteed Scotch whisky the same protection.
In September, the Scotch whisky industry got another boost after the European Union struck a free trade agreement with South Korea, removing import duties.
The SWA yesterday added that Panamanian registration ensures the highest levels of protection by local enforcement authorities, supporting the integrity of Scotch whisky as a product made in Scotland according to traditional practice.
Gavin Hewitt, chief executive of the SWA, said: “It is important consumers around the world can have confidence in the quality and integrity of what they are buying.
“This welcome decision reaffirms Scotch whisky’s international reputation and means that consumers in Panama will be better protected from any [fake] whisky.”