Investment in Welsh food and drink is crucial, and the Welsh government is playing a key role in supporting and protecting the industry. The government provides substantial assistance to companies within the sector and aids them in gaining geographical indicators for important Welsh products.
Geographical indicators are vital in preserving the link between food and drink products and their geographic origins. For instance, Scotch whisky and champagne are both tied to specific regions and cannot be labeled as such if not produced in those areas.
Over the past two decades, Wales has seen a significant increase in geographical indicators for its food and drink products, including the recent protection of single malt Welsh whiskey under a UK Geographical Indication (UKGI). The Welsh government has been instrumental in supporting this achievement.
Ellen Wakelam, Director at In the Welsh Wind distillery, praised the Welsh government’s role in this process, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and support from the government for the producers of Welsh whisky.
It’s a complex process for producers to obtain a geographical indication, but with the assistance of the Welsh government, they are guided through the application process to ensure they meet the necessary requirements.
Wakelam also expressed the potential for Welsh whisky to aim for a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in the EU, as they explore the possibility of expanding their products globally while maintaining authenticity.