Scottish Whisky Association - Panama protects Scotch Whisky - 24th November, 2010

Consumers in Panama will receive better protection from imitation ‘whisky’, following a decision to formally recognise Scotch Whisky as a product that can only be made in Scotland.

The authorities in Panama have granted an application by The Scotch Whisky Association, made in May 2010, for ‘Scotch Whisky’ to be registered and protected as a ‘geographical indication of origin’ (GI). Registration ensures the highest levels of protection by local enforcement authorities, supporting the integrity of Scotch Whisky as a product made in Scotland according to traditional practice.

Panama is Scotch Whisky’s 20th largest export market, with shipments reaching £42m in customs value in 2009. Export value is now 2.5 times greater than it was a decade ago (£16m in 2000).

Richard Austen, HM Ambassador to Panama, said:“I am delighted that the Embassy team were able to help smooth the way for the Scotch Whisky Association’s application to register Scotch Whisky in Panama. This has ensured that consumers of Scotch Whisky in Panama can have confidence in the Scotch Whisky they will buy here in Panama.”

Gavin Hewitt, Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Association, said: “It is important consumers around the world can have confidence in the quality and integrity of what they are buying. This welcome decision reaffirms Scotch Whisky’s international reputation and means that consumers in Panama will be better protected from any whisky imitations. We are grateful to the British Embassy which has provided strong support for our
application.”