Argentina recognises Scotch with ‘first ever’ GI
Scotch whisky has secured geographical indication (GI) in Argentina, becoming the first international product to do so.
A GI is an intellectual property right for products that have qualities or characteristics attributable to a specific geographical origin.
The legal protection means that any product labelled as Scotch in Argentina must be genuine and meet the whisky’s strict production standards.
Daniel Zeichner, the UK minister for food security and rural affairs, said: “Argentina’s legal protection of Scotch whisky marks another triumph for this world-class British export. In just six months, we’ve driven a breakthrough trade agreement with India while securing legal protections for dozens of beloved British products across the globe – from the markets of São Paulo to the streets of Tokyo.
“This government won’t stop here. We’re unlocking doors for UK exporters worldwide, putting British products on more shelves and tables – delivering real economic growth as part of our Plan for Change.”
Opening up new markets
Scotch is the first foreign product to get special protection in Argentina. British trade minister Douglas Alexander described the move as a “testament to not only the strength of our trade ties with Argentina, but the prestige and reach of Scotland’s world-renowned product”.
He added: “This is another win for an industry already bolstered by our deal with India, which slashes whisky tariffs by half immediately and then down even further in the years to come, demonstrating our action to boost Scotland’s businesses and delivering economic growth under the Plan for Change.”
Scotch also received protected status in Brazil last year. The nation is said to be a top-five global growth market for alcohol over the next five years, and the seventh-largest export market for the category by volume.
Scotch whisky exports by volume grew by 3.9% in 2024.
Scottish secretary Ian Murray said there is “no substitute for authentic Scotch whisky”. “It’s fantastic news that collaborative work between the UK government and the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has convinced the Argentine authorities to give our national drink – and one of our biggest exports – the protection it deserves.
“Opening up new markets and expanding existing ones for our producers is key to growing the economy and the UK government’s Plan for Change. Scotland’s food and drink industry and our Brand Scotland campaign will play an important part in that.
“This is excellent news to all the whisky producers who put Scotland on the global stage with our world-famous spirit. Salud!”
Challenges remain at home
Despite the positive news, the SWA emphasised that challenges remain for the category in its biggest markets.
A spokesperson for the association said in a statement: “The legal protection in place for Scotch whisky in Argentina is a product of many years’ work by the SWA and our counterparts in the market.
“However, there remain significant economic challenges in other larger markets – not least here in the UK, and in our biggest market, the US.
“With a 14% increase in spirits duty in two years, excessive EPR fees for glass, and the industry excluded from the Industrial Strategy, Scotch whisky producers want to see the UK government take more concerted action to reduce the tax and regulatory burden in our home market.”
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