Scotch Whisky granted certification trademark in South Africa
06 Aug 2018
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has successfully registered
'Scotch Whisky' as a certification trademark in South Africa - the
seventh largest Scotch Whisky market by volume.
'Scotch Whisky' is one of the first foreign registrations in
South Africa with protection, making enforcement against
counterfeit products being sold or passed off as Scotch Whisky
easier.
Scotch Whisky exports earn the UK £139 every second, totalling
more than £4bn annually. Exports to South Africa increased by 20.7%
to £144m in 2017, with nearly 100 bottles shipped there every
minute.
The legal protection of Scotch Whisky is vital to the industry's
export success. South Africa joins over one hundred other countries
where 'Scotch Whisky' has been granted specific legal
protection.
Commenting, SWA Chief
Executive Karen Betts said: "The registration of
the 'Scotch Whisky' certification trademark in South Africa is a
milestone for Scotland's national drink in our largest export
market in Africa, and one of the largest in the world.
"This registration offers Scotch Whisky a greater degree of
legal protection and will allow us to prosecute rogue traders who
seek to cash-in on the heritage, craft and quality of genuine
Scotch.
"Consumers can enjoy Scotch Whisky confident that South Africa
stands behind Scotch Whisky as a Scottish product, produced
according to traditional methods.
"Scotch Whisky - the UK's largest food and drink export - is
growing in popularity in South Africa, with exports up over 20%
last year alone. The legal protection of Scotch is another step
towards the continued success of this iconic spirit."