Scotch whisky secures protected geographical indication status in Argentina

Scotch whisky has become the first international product to secure protected geographical indication status in Argentina.

The legal protection, under the UK government’s geographical indication (GI) scheme, follows six years of collaborative work between Defra, the Department for Business and Trade and industry associations, who submitted the application to Argentinian authorities.

It means products labelled as Scotch whisky are genuine and meet strict production standards.

The move would help tackle counterfeit products, “giving shoppers confidence they are buying an authentic product and distillers reassurance to expand their presence in a market without risk of imitation products undermining their reputation”, Defra said.

It added that the protection highlighted “the increasing global demand for authentic British products overseas”, with British food and drink exports hitting record levels in 2024, with GI products accounting for approximately 25% of all UK food and drink exports – at an estimated annual value exceeding £6bn.

The recognition follows the securing of protected status for 39 British specialities in Japan last year and a “landmark” trade deal with India that slashed whisky tariffs by 50%, creating “substantial commercial opportunities for UK businesses overseas under the government’s Plan for Change”, Defra added.

The UK sealed similar protected status for Scotch whisky in Brazil last August.  The government said at the time that the move could be worth £25m over the next five years to the sector, and in addition to tackling counterfeits, would also give UK distillers greater exposure in the Brazilian market.

“Argentina’s legal protection of Scotch whisky marks another triumph for this world-class British export,” said food security minister Daniel Zeichner.

“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.”

The protection for Scotch in Argentina was testament “to not only the strength of our trade ties with Argentina, but the prestige and reach of Scotland’s world-renowned product”, added trade minister Douglas Alexander.