New rules and logos to protect British food and drink

The new and independent Geographical Indications (GI) schemes will mark the authenticity and origin of food and drink, for example Scotch whisky and Welsh lamb.

Producers whose foods are granted GI status will have intellectual property protection so that others cannot imitate them.

GIs are highly valued by producers and are exemplars of the wide range of quality British products enjoyed around the world. They represent around a quarter of UK food and drink exports by value, approaching £6bn in export value in 2019.

GIs are only awarded to highlight regional and traditional foods whose authenticity and origin can be guaranteed. The new logos representing the unique and protected nature of these products to consumers have been unveiled, which can be displayed on all British produce which is given GI status.

Environment secretary George Eustice said: “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.

“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.”

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There are three UK GI logos which mark each designation of geographical indication:

• Protected designation of origin (PDO)

• Protected geographical indication (PGI)

• Traditional speciality guaranteed (TSG)

The UK GI schemes will replace the EU’s schemes on January 1, 2021 as the transition period ends. Legislation laid in Parliament will:

• Provide the legal framework in England, Scotland and Wales to administer and enforce the GI schemes

• Ensure continued protection of existing UK-origin GIs and non-UK GIs agreed through trade agreements

• Establish the new UK logo in law and ensure EU GI logos are no longer required on GB products

• Simplify the application process

Registered producers of British food, drink and agricultural GI products that are required to use the logos will have until January 1, 2024 to change packaging to display the new UK GI logos.

Nicholas Rodda, managing director of Rodda’s Creamery said: “The new GI status will not only strengthen the authenticity of our Cornish clotted cream on a global stage, but also provide new opportunities for our business conversations internationally."

All UK products currently protected under the EU’s GI schemes will continue to be protected in the UK and the EU after the end of the transition period.