Scotch Whisky Scores Protected Status in Brazilian Whisky Market
According to the UK government, Scotch whisky has gained protected status in Brazil, worth £25 million over the next five years. A deal between DEFRA, the agri-food attaché in Brazil, DBT, and the UK’s Intellectual Property Office has resulted in Scotch whisky gaining protected status.
Due to Scotch whisky’s new status as a Geographical Indication (GI), bootleg products will no longer be mislabeled as Scottish whisky.
British Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the GI will give distillers in Scotland “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”.
Scotch Whisky Set to Improve Sales in Brazil
In 2019, Scotch whisky became the first foreign product to be granted Denomination of Origin status in Brazil. Tequila, Cognac, and Champagne were also granted special legal protections.
According to government figures, Brazil is one of the five fastest-growing markets for alcohol over the next five years. UK whisky exports to the country accounted for almost £90 million in 2023 alone.
Reynolds continued: “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.”
Minister for Food Security Daniel Zeichner said of the decision yesterday (21 August): “Today’s announcement shows both demand for authentic Scotch Whisky abroad and the value of promoting British products on an international stage.”
During a visit to Glengoyne Distillery in Scotland yesterday, the trade secretary celebrated the deal’s new protected status in Brazil.
