Reynolds toasts Brazil’s decision to give Scotch whisky protected status

The Geographical Indication for Scotch whisky will be a further boost to exports of the beverage, the Trade Secretary said.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds during a visit to Glengoyne Distillery near Glasgow (Andrew Milligan/PA) (PA Wire)

Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has toasted Brazil’s decision to grant special protected status to Scotch whisky during a visit to a distillery.

Brazil’s legal recognition of Scotch whisky’s special status, which happened during the UK’s pre-election period in June, is expected to gives distillers better access to South America’s largest economy.

The Geographical Indication will make it easier to tackle counterfeits and give distillers the confidence to increase their exports to the country – and could be worth around £25 million over five years, the Department for Business and Trade said.

Mr Reynolds visited Glengoyne Distillery in Killearn, north of Glasgow, on Wednesday to celebrate the move.

The Trade Secretary said: “Scotch whisky is one of Scotland’s finest products and is in high demand across the globe.

“This Government is committed to maximising Scotland’s potential, and today’s announcement gives Scottish distillers the confidence they need to export to one of the world’s largest economies without having to compete with fake knock-offs and pale imitations.

“Businesses who export more are better off, and removing trade barriers like this will unlock more global markets and drive economic growth across the UK.”

Mark Kent, chief executive at the Scotch Whisky Association, said: “As the first foreign product to be granted Denomination of Origin status in Brazil since 2019, Scotch whisky now sits beside Tequila, Cognac and Champagne with special legal protection.

“This is fundamental to ensure that millions of Brazilians can have confidence in the quality and history of what they’re buying.”

Exports of UK products with a Geographical Indication are estimated to be worth more than £6 billion per year.

Scotch exports alone were worth £5.6 billion in 2023, accounting for 74% of Scottish food and drink exports and 22% of all UK food and drink exports.