As a result, Scotch whisky and its Chinese translation (苏格兰威士忌) are officially protected from locally produced copies until November 2028.
The SWA has worked closely with the British Embassy and Chinese authorities to crack down on locally produced spirits falsely described as Scotch.
Since securing trademark protection in 2008, the SWA has investigated and dealt with about 200 brands of fake Scotch. The organisation said it had also handled more than 100 trademarks featuring Scottish words and images that companies had applied for in bad faith for use on their Chinese-made products.
Securing future growth for scotch
SWA chief executive Karen Betts said the renewal of the trademark was an important step in securing future growth for Scotch in China, the world’s largest market for spirits.
“While challenges remain, Scotch whisky producers can be confident that the Chinese government officially recognises Scotch whisky as a Scottish product, produced according to traditional methods, that should be given special recognition in the Chinese market,” said Betts.
“The industry has enjoyed great support from the Chinese authorities, who take food fraud and IP [intellectual property] protection seriously, in tackling fake Scotch. We’re grateful too to the British Embassy, which has provided invaluable support.”
Betts identified China as a key market for Scotch whisky and legal protection was the firm foundation on which future trade would be built.
‘Promote our exports’
International trade secretary Dr Liam Fox added: “I am pleased to be in China with the Prime Minister and a diverse contingent of innovative British businesses to promote our exports and attract Chinese investment into the UK.
“China is a key market for British goods and services with exports increasing by 25% over the last year to more than £59bn and it is my ambition to ensure that the trade relationship between our two countries continues to grow.”
Meanwhile, in November, pork producers in Northern Ireland started exports to China, as part of a nationwide deal, first revealed in August, which was expected to generate £200M and support 1,500 jobs.