Scotch wins legal protection in Malaysia and Thailand
05/02/2010
Scotch producers have been given an export boost after Malaysia and Thailand granted permission for the term "Scotch whisky" to be registered and protected as a geographical indication of origin.
The move means the countries will officially recognize Scotch as product that can be made only in Scotland.
The Scotch Whisky Association, which applied for the recognition, said the move would shield local consumers from imitations and protect the integrity of the Scotch industry.
Scotch whisky is the first spirit from an EU country to be granted the protection in those countries (source Harpers Wine & Spirit).