Scotch whisky name gets protection in Panama

Published: 23 November, 2010

Scotch whisky has been granted official protection by the government in Panama, to safeguard against imitations.

Scotch whisky has been granted official protection by the government in Panama, to safeguard against imitations.

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). The news comes weeks after the Chinese government guaranteed Scotch whisky the same protection.

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 £42 million 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 the news "ensured that consumers in Panama can have confidence in the Scotch whisky they buy."

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."

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