皇冠体育app

A new scheme to help protect Scotch Whisky and other spirits of UK origin from fake and sub-standard competitors has been launched today (Friday 10 January) by Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander.

皇冠体育app Spirit Drinks Verification Scheme will help consumers in the UK and abroad identify genuine products and avoid the fakes.

Under the scheme, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will undertake checks on all businesses involved in the production of these spirits 鈥� everything from fermenting and distilling to bottling and labelling 鈥� and make sure that they meet strict European Union (EU) requirements. HMRC will then publish a list of verified brands, production facilities and bulk importers.

Scotch Whisky will be the first major UK spirit to be protected under the scheme which, in time, is likely to be extended to other UK drinks with a geographical origin, such as Somerset Cider Brandy and Irish Whiskey produced in Northern Ireland.

Scotch Whisky producers, blenders, bottlers, labellers and bulk importers will need to if they want to be verified. Businesses that do not have their processes verified will be unable to market their products within the EU.

Speaking at a visit to the Benromach Distillery in Forres, Morayshire, Danny Alexander said:

I鈥檓 delighted that this scheme is now up and running, helping protect one of the UK鈥檚 most important and successful export industries. 皇冠体育app verification scheme will make sure people who buy Scotch get what they pay for 鈥� the finest spirit in the world. 皇冠体育app Scotch Whisky industry is now worth around 拢4 billion to the Scottish economy and employs more than 10,000 people in Scotland.

皇冠体育app booming Scotch Whisky industry is a huge asset to Scotland and the UK which benefits from being part of the UK and European market. 皇冠体育app UK government is doing its bit today to step in and make sure that cheap fakes don鈥檛 undermine this unique global export.

David Frost, Scotch Whisky Association chief executive, added:

Geographical Indication status is of great commercial value to the Scotch Whisky industry. 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. It will greatly improve the industry鈥檚 ability to stop the sale of adulterated Scotch Whiskies bottles abroad.

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