Mozambique must protect Scotch, minister urges

Scottish secretary David Mundell has called on authorities in Mozambique to provide legal protection for Scotch whisky by granting the spirit geographical indication status (GI).

Mundell recently toured Mozambique and Malawi, and asked the minister of industry and commerce to grant Scotch GI, to prohibit any whiskies not made in Scotland from being sold as Scotch in Mozambique.

Last year, Scotch whisky was granted legal protection in Botswana – the first time the spirit has been recognised as a GI in Africa – which was followed by a further 17 African countries in September 2015.

As demand for whisky exports in Mozambique have risen over recent years, Mundell highlighted the issue while promoting Scottish exports during his tour.

“Whisky is one of Scotland’s greatest success stories and it is important that our exporters get all the support they deserve,” Mundell said, as reported by the BBC.

“Our firms adhere to the highest standards and make a product which is recognised the world over.

“They should be protected from imitators and consumers in Mozambique and elsewhere should be able to have confidence that what they are drinking is the real thing.”

David Frost, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), said it was great to see growing demand for Scotch in Mozambique.

“We have the same positive outlook for many African countries with a growing middle class seeking out high-quality imported products such as Scotch,” he said.

“We are pleased the British government is supporting Scotch whisky in Mozambique through the secretary of State for Scotland’s visit.

“As well as raising the profile of Scotch and the opportunities for producers, the visit is also a chance to talk about some of the challenges to doing business, for example high levels of taxation on Scotch in Mozambique.”