New rules and logos to protect British food and drink, guaranteeing the authenticity of regional and traditional foods for shoppers and protecting British producers from imitation, have been set out this month.
At the end of the Brexit Transition Period, the new and independent Geographical Indications (GI) schemes will make sure that popular and traditional produce from across the country will be granted special status to mark out their authenticity and origin, for example Scotch whisky and Welsh lamb.
This means that shoppers will be able to buy their favourite food and drink with confidence, and producers whose foods are granted GI status will benefit from intellectual property protection so that others cannot imitate them.
GIs represent around a quarter of UK food and drink exports by value, approaching £6 billion in export value in 2019.
The new logos representing the unique and protected nature of these products to consumers have been unveiled this month, which can be displayed on all British produce which is given GI status.
“The new UK protected food name scheme will replace the old EU one and will ensure that we continue to recognise and celebrate protected food names and local recipes across our country,” said Environment Secretary George Eustice.
“The new logos launched today will become a staple on supermarket aisles in the UK and mean shoppers will be able to pick the best of British, from Scotch whisky and Welsh lamb to Cornish clotted cream.”
There are three UK GI logos, which were developed in conjunction with GI producers, Devolved Administrations and consumers, which mark each designation of geographical indication: Protected designation of origin (PDO); Protected geographical indication (PGI), and Traditional speciality guaranteed (TSG).
The UK GI schemes will replace the EU’s schemes on 1 January 2021 as the Transition Period ends.
