MORAY MP HAILS SWIFT PROGRESS ON WHISKY GEO-ORIGIN STATUS.

MORAY MP HAILS SWIFT PROGRESS ON WHISKY GEO-ORIGIN STATUS.

TRADE MISSION WILL BE TOAST OF WHISKY SECTOR

SNP Westminster Leader and Vice Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Whisky Group, Angus Robertson MP, has hailed progress made by the Scottish Government trade mission to China in securing Geographic Indication of Origin Status for Scotch Whisky.

Mr Robertson, whose Moray constituency produces more than half of Scotland's malt whisky, said:

“This is absolutely fantastic news for the Scottish whisky industry.

“The whisky sector is one of Scotland's key industries both in export, earnings and employment terms, and swift progress on the Geographical Indication of Origin issue will be music to the ears of the industry.

“Securing Geographic Indication of Origin Status has been a vital issue for the industry, and the progress between the Scottish and Chinese Governments presents important commercial opportunities for Scotland.

“More than ever, in these tough economic times, it is crucial that we secure the best trading arrangements for one of our premium products, and to secure such a tremendous outcome in the massive Chinese market could not be better.

“It is no secret that the whisky industry has been dealt a blow from Treasury’s chaotic changes to the tax regime over recent years, but the Scottish Government’s success in China is great news for jobs, investment and competitiveness.

“Working in partnership, the Scottish Government, Scotch Whisky Association and Scottish Enterprise have achieved a great deal for the whole of Scotland, and I am sure they will be the toast of the industry.”