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New official protection for genuine Scotch whisky | New official protection for genuine Scotch whisky |
(about 17 hours later) | |
A new scheme has been launched to protect the Scotch whisky industry from fake or sub-standard products. | A new scheme has been launched to protect the Scotch whisky industry from fake or sub-standard products. |
The Spirit Drinks Verification Scheme has been set up by the UK government to help consumers identify genuine UK-made products. | The Spirit Drinks Verification Scheme has been set up by the UK government to help consumers identify genuine UK-made products. |
Producers will have to sign up for the scheme if they want to sell within the European Union. Scotch Whisky is the first drink to be covered. | Producers will have to sign up for the scheme if they want to sell within the European Union. Scotch Whisky is the first drink to be covered. |
The industry said the measure would be "warmly welcomed". | The industry said the measure would be "warmly welcomed". |
Protection under the new rules will in future be extended to other drinks with a geographical origin, such as Somerset Cider Brandy and whiskey from Northern Ireland. | Protection under the new rules will in future be extended to other drinks with a geographical origin, such as Somerset Cider Brandy and whiskey from Northern Ireland. |
EU requirements | EU requirements |
Producers, blenders, bottlers, labellers and bulk importers will need to apply to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if they want to be verified. | |
HMRC will carry out checks on all businesses involved in the production of the spirits to make sure they meet strict EU requirements. | HMRC will carry out checks on all businesses involved in the production of the spirits to make sure they meet strict EU requirements. |
Scotch Whisky Association chief executive David Frost said: "This is a step change in the protection of Scotch whisky and should be warmly welcomed. | Scotch Whisky Association chief executive David Frost said: "This is a step change in the protection of Scotch whisky and should be warmly welcomed. |
"We fully support the introduction of the verification scheme by the UK government. It will give even more protection to consumers of Scotch whisky. | "We fully support the introduction of the verification scheme by the UK government. It will give even more protection to consumers of Scotch whisky. |
"It will greatly improve the industry's ability to stop the sale of adulterated Scotch whiskies bottled abroad." | "It will greatly improve the industry's ability to stop the sale of adulterated Scotch whiskies bottled abroad." |
'Booming industry' | |
Launching the scheme, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander said: "The verification scheme will make sure people who buy Scotch get what they pay for - the finest spirit in the world. | Launching the scheme, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander said: "The verification scheme will make sure people who buy Scotch get what they pay for - the finest spirit in the world. |
"The Scotch whisky industry is now worth around £4bn to the Scottish economy and employs more than 10,000 people in Scotland. | "The Scotch whisky industry is now worth around £4bn to the Scottish economy and employs more than 10,000 people in Scotland. |
"The booming Scotch whisky industry is a huge asset to Scotland and the UK which benefits from being part of the UK and European market." | "The booming Scotch whisky industry is a huge asset to Scotland and the UK which benefits from being part of the UK and European market." |
Scottish Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "With Scotch whisky being an iconic and global brand, it is only right that those who are looking to buy this premium Scottish product are offered a guarantee that ensures they are protected from fakes or inferior products. | |
"Scotch Whisky accounts for a quarter of all UK food and drink exports, earning £135 every second, demonstrating the sector's importance to the Scottish economy. | |
"The industry must be allowed to do all it can to reduce the impact of those who seek to exploit its good name for their own financial gain." |
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