Brexit: Single malt Welsh whisky granted prestigious status set to boost sales
Whisky made in Wales has been granted protected status like Welsh lamb and has been hailed a 'significant milestone'
PA
Whisky made in Wales has been granted protected status like Welsh lamb and has been hailed a "significant milestone".
Single malt Welsh whisky is the first spirit to receive geographical indication (GI) status since UKGI was launched in 2021 after Brexit.
The whisky has been registered under the scheme, which aims to protect produce from imitation and misuse.
Since its revival 20 years ago, production has rapidly expanded to more than 45 countries and is expected to generate £23m this year.
Since its revival 20 years ago, production has rapidly expanded to more than 45 countries and is expected to generate £23m this year
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Under the rules, every step of the production process must take place in Wales, from distilling to bottling.
The spirit is one of 20 protected food and drink items in Wales.
Four distilleries were part of the final bid for GI status - Penderyn, In the Welsh Wind, Da Mhile, and Coles.
Penderyn boss Stephen Davies said gaining the status was a "significant milestone".
"It assists in safeguarding both the quality of the product and also its source of origin," he added.
“It’s an exciting step forward, one that puts focus on an industry that has been growing steadily over the last 20 years.”
Other protected items include: Anglesey sea salt, Caerphilly cheese, Carmarthen ham, Conwy mussels, Denbigh plum, Pembrokeshire early potatoes, Welsh laverbread, west Wales coracle caught sewin and salmon, as well as Welsh wine, cider, leeks, beef, lamb and pork.
Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths said: "I am very pleased for all those involved in gaining this prestigious status and ensures this fantastic product gains the recognition and prestige it deserves."
UKGI was launched in a bid to ensure certain UK foods and drinks could secure legal protection against imitation after the UK's withdrawal from the EU which runs its own scheme.
UK Food and Farming Secretary Therese Coffey said the Welsh whisky GI status "shows how the UK government is ready to get behind the best of British food and drink from across the nation - to boost sales at home and abroad, create jobs and grow our economy".
"I look forward to meeting some of the distillers at the Royal Welsh Show and celebrating this unique product's wonderful history," she added.