SWA secures GI protection for Scotch Whisky in the Philippines

Scotch Whisky has become the first UK product to be granted Geographical Indication (GI) status in the Philippines.

The Philippines is now one of more than 100 global territories which have officially recognised Scotch Whisky as whisky which can only be produced in Scotland according to traditional methods and deserving of special protection.

Caitlin O’Donnell, Senior Legal Counsel at the Scotch Whisky Association, said “With exports to the Philippines up nearly 40% in 2023 compared to 2019, we know that this is a market with a keen and growing interest in Scotch Whisky.

“We are grateful to our lawyers, Poblador Bautista & Reyes, for helping us navigate the new regulations and to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines  for implementing an efficient registration process, – resulting in Scotch Whisky being one of the first four registered GIs in the Philippines, alongside Guimaras Mangoes, Cognac and Parmigiano Reggiano. One of our key priorities is to give consumers the confidence that what they’re purchasing is the genuine product all over the world, and securing GI protection in the Philippines is just one of the ways we can ensure that other products are not taking advantage of the reputation of Scotland’s national spirit.”

Dr. James Thackery, Director for Trade and Investment at British Embassy Manila, said, "British Embassy Manila welcomes the successful application to register and recognise 'Scotch Whisky' in the Philippines as a unique product whose name and standards are worthy of protection. We are honoured that the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines  has granted one of its first four Geographical Indications (GI) to Scotch Whisky - a beloved UK export. This successful application is a testament to the growing UK-Philippines bilateral trade relationship - now at an all-time high £3bn last year. British Embassy Manila will continue to support UK goods and services exports, including protecting their reputation in-market."

Learn more about Scotch Whisky's legal protection and the work of the SWA Legal team here.