Single Malt Welsh Whisky secures protected status

Single Malt Welsh Whisky, one of Wales’ most savoured spirits, has marked a milestone by becoming the first UK spirit to secure Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status under the UK Geographical Indication (UK GI) scheme.

The UK GI scheme, established in 2021 after the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, offers legal protection to certain food and drink products against imitation and misuse. With this new status, Single Malt Welsh Whisky joins the prestigious ranks of renowned Welsh products including Anglesey Sea Salt PDO, PGI Welsh Lamb, PGI Welsh Beef, and Welsh Leeks PGI.

This accolade also makes Single Malt Welsh Whisky the first GI spirit from Wales, underlining the rapid expansion and rising demand the Welsh whisky industry has experienced in recent years.

The collective effort of four Welsh distilleries – Penderyn, In the Welsh Wind, Da Mhile, and Coles – played a crucial role in the final application for the coveted PGI status. Their dedication and drive to protect the uniqueness of Single Malt Welsh Whisky is a testament to the spirit’s growing popularity and the future potential of Wales’ whisky industry.

As consumers increasingly seek authentic and locally-produced goods, the PGI status of Single Malt Welsh Whisky is likely to further boost its appeal both at home and abroad, and contribute to the continued growth of the Welsh whisky industry.

[Photo: Penderyn Whisky]

Welsh Government Minister for Rural Affairs, North Wales and Trefnydd, Lesley Griffiths, said: “It is brilliant news Single Malt Welsh Whisky has joined the Welsh GI family with its name now protected. The Welsh whisky industry continues to go from strength to strength, playing an important role in the food and drink sector here in Wales.”

Stephen Davies, Chief Executive at Penderyn, echoed these sentiments, stating that the achievement of UKGI status for Single Malt Welsh Whisky is a significant milestone for Penderyn as a producer, and also for the wider Welsh whisky industry.

Single Malt Welsh Whisky makes a significant contribution to the food and drink economy of Wales and is now one of Wales’ most influential exports, currently being exported to over 45 countries. It is forecast to generate a revenue of £23 million in the current financial year including domestic, export and travel retail sales.

The UK Geographical Indication schemes (UK GI) have been established following the UK’s exit from the EU. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is the competent authority for the GI schemes in the UK. GI protection guarantees a product’s characteristics or reputation, authenticity, and origin. It protects the product name from misuse or imitation when the product is sold in Great Britain.