Scotch wins legal protection

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 recognise 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.

SWA legal adviser Alan Parker said: "Scotch whisky has broken new ground in Malaysia and Thailand.

"The British embassies in each market have provided invaluable assistance as we pursued these applications which will help to support future export success."

Exports of Scotch to Malaysia and Thailand are worth a combined £40 million annually.

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