Argentina has granted Scotch Whisky its seal of approval as the first ever international product to gain Geographical Indication (GI) status in the country. 

The protection means that any products labelled as Scotch Whisky must meet strict production standards, in turn tackling counterfeit products and assuring shoppers they are buying an authentic product.

The Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) said the news highlights an increasing global demand for British products overseas.  

It noted that British food and drink exports reached record levels in 2024, with GI products accounting for approximately 25% of all UK food and drink exports.  

Daniel Zeichner, minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, said: “Argentina’s legal protection of Scotch Whisky marks another triumph for this world-class British export. 

“In just six months we’ve driven a breakthrough trade agreement with India while securing legal protections for dozens of beloved British products across the globe – from the markets of São Paulo to the streets of Tokyo.” 

Trade minister, Douglas Alexander, continued that this news bolsters the government’s Plan for Change. “This is another win for an industry already bolstered by our deal with India which slashes whisky tariffs by half immediately.” 

Scottish secretary, Ian Murray, chimed in: “There is no substitute for authentic Scotch Whisky and it’s fantastic news that collaborative work between the UK Government and Scotch Whisky Association has convinced the Argentine authorities to give our national drink – and one of our biggest exports – the protection it deserves.”