NEWS
HONG KONG AWARDED TRADEMARK PROTECTION TO SCOTCH WHISKY
By Siulan Law Mathews DipWSET
22-8-2023
Credit: Siulan Law Mathews
Hong Kong authority has officially awarded Scotch whisky with a Certification Trademark, the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has announced.
This means that the term “Scotch whisky” can only be used in Hong Kong on whisky products made in Scotland in accordance with strict production and labelling requirements.
Scotch whisky is already protected as a Geographical Indication (G.I.) and a trademark in Mainland China and as a G.I, in Macau.
“Improving protection of Scotch whisky in developing markets is a priority for the SWA Legal Team, as consumers in these markets explore and expand their knowledge of Scotland’s national drink. Hong Kong’s recognition of the Scotch whisky certification trademark gives consumers in the market the confidence and certainty that what they are purchasing is the genuine quality product,” said Lindesay Low, deputy legal director of SWA.
Hong Kong is an important market for Scotch whisky, exports to the territory worth more than £31 million (USD39.37m) in 2022.
Around the world, some 100 global territories have officially recognised Scotch whisky as a G.I. product.
Scotch whisky is produced according to strict rules, including that only raw materials from Scotland - water, cereals, yeast etc - can be used in the production, and the whisky has to be matured in Scotland for at least three years in oak casks.
“This milestone recognises Scotch whisky as a symbol of Scotland’s rich heritage and craftsmanship. We are grateful for the continued appreciation shown by Hong Kong consumers – they can now have even more confidence in the provenance of Scotland’s beloved national spirit,” said Brian Davidson, British consul general to Hong Kong and Macau.
(the writer can be contacted at: info@thewinechronicle.com)
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
**IF YOU THINK THE WINE CHRONICLE IS WORTH SUPPORTING, PLEASE MAKE A DONATION TO HELP US IMPROVE AND CONTINUE OUR WORK**
TRENDING│ FOCUS│ MISSION│ ABOUT US│ CONTACT
| 