Scotch whisky gains legal protection in Africa

Scotch whisky has been recognised as a geographical indication (GI) for the first time in an African country.

Scotch is the first product to be recognised as a GI in Africa

The legal breakthrough – which ensures the description can only be used on whisky produced in Scotland in accordance with UK law – will empower consumers with a high level of protection against counterfeit reproductions of the spirit.

Scotch is the first product to be recognised as a GI in Africa following an application by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).

The body has worked to make Scotch officially recognised in the laws of more than 70 countries, including the European Union.

David Frost, SWA chief executive, said in a statement: “We expect to see demand for Scotch increase in many African countries in coming years as economies grow. It’s important that consumers have confidence in the quality of what they are buying, which this recognition of Scotch as a ‘geographical indication’ will help to achieve.

“Botswana recognising Scotch as a GI – a product that must be made in Scotland – is ground-breaking as it’s the first product to be given this status. It’s also the first time Scotch has been successfully registered as a GI anywhere in Africa. This move will protect consumers and give a boost to the growth of Scotch exports across Africa.”

Although Botswana is a small export market, the value of direct shipments of Scotch last year rose by 163%, from £173,638 in 2013 to £456,728 in 2014.

In addition, much of the Scotch in Botswana has already passed through other “distribution hubs” in South Africa.

British High Commissioner to Botswana, Nick Pyle, said: “This is great news for British business in Botswana. It will give reassurance to consumers in Botswana that they are buying a quality branded product from the UK.”

Last year, Scotch whisky was given special protective measures in Burma as a collective trademark in an effort to tackle counterfeit products.