£25m Brazilian boost for Scotch Whisky

On 21st August 2024, UK Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, visited a Scotland based distillery in order to celebrate Brazil’s decision to grant special protected status to Scotch Whisky.

With this new safeguard, the legal system in Brazil now acknowledges the unique status of Scotch Whisky, which makes it simpler to combat counterfeit goods and gives distillers the confidence to increase their exports to the country. This helps to boost the industry, which already contributes billions of pounds to the UK economy and supports the government’s goal of accelerating economic growth.

It is projected that this new status, which is known as a Geographical Indication (GI), could be worth approximately £25 million over the next five years.

It will provide distillers with enhanced access to South America’s largest economy, thereby bolstering international recognition and intellectual property rights for Scotch Whisky.

This achievement is a testament to the robust collaboration between DEFRA, which includes the agri-food attaché in Brazil, DBT, and the UK’s Intellectual Property Office.

Business & Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

“Scotch Whisky is one of Scotland’s finest products and is in high demand across the globe. This Government is committed to maximising Scotland’s potential, and today’s announcement gives Scottish distillers the confidence they need to export to one of the world’s largest economies without having to compete with fake knock-offs and pale imitations.”

“Businesses who export more are better off, and removing trade barriers like this will unlock more global markets and drive economic growth across the UK.”

Photo by Lara Jameson

Picture of Graham Sheen

Graham Sheen

Graham Sheen is the BWA Secretary, appointed in 2019. Graham has a strong background in logistics and warehousing, and is very well connected within the warehousing and supply chain sectors.

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