Scotch is first UK product with GI in Philippines

The Philippines has granted geographical indication (GI) status to Scotch whisky – a first for any UK product.

The Philippines joins more than 100 global territories that officially recognise Scotch whisky as a product that can only be made in Scotland, in accordance with specific rules.

Exports of Scotch whisky to the Philippines were up by almost 40% in 2023 compared with 2019, the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) noted.

“We are grateful to our lawyers, Poblador Bautista & Reyes, for helping us navigate the new regulations and to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines for implementing efficient registration process – resulting in Scotch whisky being one of the first four registered GIs in the Philippines, alongside Guimaras mangoes, Cognac, and Parmigiano Reggiano,” said Caitlin O’Donnell, senior legal counsel at the SWA.

“One of our key priorities is to give consumers the confidence that what they’re purchasing is the genuine product all over the world, and securing GI protection in the Philippines is just one of the ways we can ensure that other products are not taking advantage of the reputation of Scotland’s national spirit.”

In August last year, Scotch whisky was also granted GI status in Hong Kong.

Dr James Thackery, director for trade and investment at British Embassy Manila, said: “We are honoured that the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines has granted one of its first four geographical indications (GI) to Scotch whisky – a beloved UK export.

“This successful application is a testament to the growing UK-Philippines bilateral trade relationship – now at an all-time high of £3 billion [US$3.8bn] last year.

“British Embassy Manila will continue to support UK goods and services exports, including protecting their reputation in the market.”

In other GI-related news, single malt Welsh whisky was successfully registered under the UK Geographical Indication scheme last year.