Granting protected status to single malt Welsh whisky has enhanced its "credibility and status," according to Nigel Short, chairman of Penderyn Distillery. He stated that the whisky is "genuinely world-class," and the protection, achieved last year, has solidified this reputation. Single-malt Welsh whisky is among 20 Welsh food and drink products to receive protected geographical indication status. Welsh lamb, leeks, and Caerphilly cheese also hold PGI status, which ensures and promotes their authenticity.
Protected Geographical Indication status is designed to safeguard and promote products from specific regions or countries. Welsh whisky took three years to achieve this protection, during which an audit confirmed that the single malt was produced in Wales. Penderyn is one of five Welsh single malt producers benefiting from PGI status, which protects them from imitation and provides similar protection to Scotch and Irish whiskies.
Mr. Short noted, "At British embassies and select Welsh government offices worldwide, the recognition and prestige bestowed upon us are unparalleled. This serves as a significant endorsement of our efforts and accomplishments."
The company is headquartered in Penderyn, located in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, also known as the Brecon Beacons, and operates additional distilleries in Llandudno and Swansea. Welsh whisky production is relatively small compared to the Scottish market, which contributes nearly £6 billion to the UK economy. Recently, the industry has faced challenges due to a slowdown in luxury goods sales, and Penderyn is optimistic that PGI status will enhance its attractiveness.
"At present, we export to approximately 40 countries, with major markets including the USA, France, and Germany," Mr. Short stated. "The recognition we gained from receiving PGI status last year was significant, as it provided us with a level of prestige comparable to that of Scotch or Irish whiskey."
At Glynhynod Farm in Ceredigion, a family-operated business creates two PGI-protected products. The Da Mhile distillery crafts a single malt whisky, and Caws Teifi is one of three producers of Caerphilly cheese to earn this designation.
Rob Savage-Onstwedder expressed enthusiasm about preserving traditional products amidst shifting trends. "I think it's really great when you're trying to keep certain products alive because it's so easy to follow trends," he said. His parents founded Caws Teifi in the early 1980s, making it the oldest artisan cheesemaker in Wales. Although Caerphilly cheese is named after the town where it was originally sold, it has historically been produced in farmhouses throughout Wales.
Mr. Savage-Onstwedder emphasized that protecting against imitation is crucial for preserving Welsh cheesemaking traditions and recipes. "In France, PGI designations have a significant impact," he noted. "Many cheese varieties continue to thrive there due to the protection given to cheeses from specific regions, and I believe PGI can have a similar effect in Wales."
Caerphilly cheese received its protected status in 2018. According to Mr. Savage-Onstwedder, Caws Teifi underwent an audit "to ensure that we are producing the cheese according to the specifications and that it uses milk from Wales." He added, "There are numerous other criteria and factors we must adhere to in our recipe and final product, which is fantastic."