Latest news with #ScotchWhiskyAssociation
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Whisky leaders urge Starmer to 'seize the moment' in Trump meeting to ditch tariffs
Donald Trump is poised for Aberdeen talks with Keir Starmer and John Swinney later this month. Sign up to our Politics newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Prime Minister has been told to 'seize the moment' and thrash out a deal with Donald Trump to ditch his controversial tariffs on Scotch whisky when the pair meet in Aberdeen later this month. Sir Keir is poised for a showdown with Mr Trump over energy after the US President demanded efforts are made to 'bring back the oil' to Aberdeen ahead of a meeting in Scotland with the Prime Minister. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Trump will meet Sir Keir and First Minister John Swinney in Aberdeen later this month as part of a private visit to the UK. The Prime Minister is now facing calls to reignite a push for the US President to remove his tariffs on Scotch whisky. A spokesperson for the Scotch Whisky Association told The Scotsman the Prime Minister should use the meeting in Aberdeen to strike a better deal for the industry. He said: "President Trump's visit to Scotland is a timely opportunity for the UK government to re-engage in discussions to remove the tariffs on Scotch whisky in the industry's largest global market. "The Prime Minister should seize this moment to strike a deal to return the zero-tariff agreement which has underpinned industry jobs, investment and growth in both Scotland and in the US.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ahead of his visit, Mr Trump has insisted that UK politicians should 'get rid of the windmills' in the North Sea and instead 'bring back the oil' - setting up potential tension with the Prime Minister. Donald Trump has spoken fondly of his links to Scotland (Picture: Andy Buchanan) | AFP via Getty Images Sir Keir's government has pledged to end new oil and gas licences for the North Sea, with scientific evidence showing new fossil fuels projects are not consistent with global commitments to limit temperature rises. His government has also handed fossil fuel companies behind the Rosebank oil development and the Jackdaw gas field a route to being granted environmental approval after their initial permission was ruled unlawful by the UK Supreme Court. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Labour UK government has been under intense pressure to reverse its manifesto pledge to ban new licences and bring an immediate end to the windfall tax, known as the energy profits levy - which has received heavy criticism from the offshore industry and is not due to expire until 2030. Mr Swinney will also meet Mr Trump on the private visit to Aberdeen, while the Scottish Government has long-delayed its energy strategy and has muddied the waters on where it stands on new fossil fuel developments in the North Sea. The UK and Scottish governments have vowed to ramp up renewable energy as part of efforts to tackle the climate crisis - with the focus on offshore wind turbines. Mr Trump has previously had a run-in with Scottish wind farms before when in 2019, his company, Trump International, lost a court battle to stop a major renewables development being built in the North Sea off Aberdeen after claiming the 11 turbines would spoil views from his Menie golf course. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Donald Trump lost a legal battle against the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre development off the Aberdeenshire coast (Picture: Jeff) Speaking to the BBC, Mr Trump said Aberdeen was 'the oil capital of Europe' but claimed it should 'get rid of the windmills". He said: "We're going to have a meeting with... a state meeting with the prime minister, and that's going to be up in Aberdeen, which is the oil capital of Europe, they should bring it back too. "They have so much oil there. They should get rid of the windmills and bring back the oil. "[Because] the windmills are really detrimental to the beauty of Scotland and every other place they go up." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Climate campaigners have accused Mr Trump of ignorance over renewable energy and warned continuing to burn fossil fuels will do nothing to bring down bills. Tessa Khan, executive director of Uplift, said: 'Donald Trump clearly knows nothing about the North Sea other than the view from his golf course. 'After 60 years of drilling, the UK has burned almost all of its gas and what is left is oil, most of which the UK exports, which contributes nothing to making sure the UK has an affordable supply of energy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Uplift's executive director Tessa Khan "The reason the UK's energy bills are high is because of our reliance on expensive gas – and the way to reduce them is to shift to homegrown renewable energy, offshore wind in particular, which the UK is lucky to have in abundance. 'More oil and gas drilling would not only lock us into an expensive energy source for far longer than is necessary, it will also contribute to the climate impacts – the wildfires, droughts and floods – that we're now seeing every year.' The Scottish Government said the US president's visit would be a chance to "promote the interests of Scotland". Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But Scottish Labour deputy leader, Jackie Baillie, has called on the First Minister to ensure Scotland gets a better trade deal with the US in his discussions with Mr Trump. She said: "I would expect the First Minister to meet with the elected US President. "I want him not just to sing the praises of Scotland but actually to secure for very important sectors of our economy better trade deals in partnership with the United Kingdom , so that whisky, salmon, all these things that we know export well to the US are given a lift up."
Scotsman
12-07-2025
- Climate
- Scotsman
Whisky distilleries shut down production as water levels drop on Spey
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Several whisky distilleries have shut down production given low water levels on the River Spey caused by the long period of dry weather. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said a number of Speyside operators had closed down earlier than usual for the summer given water scarcity issues in the area. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The River Spey is one of eight river catchments in Scotland experiencing 'moderate scarcity' - the second highest alert in Scotland - as water levels fall in the warm conditions. Temperatures will hold in the high 20s for much of Scotland this Saturday and Sunday with an extreme wildfire risk in place for most of the country and a warning issued against using naked flames. Penguins at Edinburgh Zoo are treated to mounds of ice by keepers to help them cool down in the hot weather | Katielee Arrowsmith / SWNS Health chiefs have also urged people to take care as tens of thousand of people are due to attend the TRNSMT festival in Glasgow, where temperatures will reach 29 degrees Celsius. The falling water levels in rivers monitored by SEPA come following months of lower than average rainfall, with the North East the worst affected. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad SEPA said it was working with the Scotch Whisky Association on the issue, as well as a number of distilleries, to manage water usage in the industry. A spokeswoman said: 'A number of distilleries have shut down earlier than planned. 'We have been working with the Scotch Whisky Association for several months and they've been sharing our messaging with their members to make sure they know the situation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We've also been speaking directly to distilleries in the most affected areas, the same as we have for farmers.' Golf courses and fisheries have also been advised by SEPA on their water usage. A spokeswoman added: 'We've seen and heard first-hand how seriously abstractors are taking their responsibilities, and the practices they're putting in place to protect our environment.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Deveron, Ythan, Don (Aberdeenshire), Dee (Aberdeen), Esk, Firth of Tay and Tyne (Lothian) river catchments are also reporting moderate scarcity. Meanwhile, three other river catchments - The Findhorn, Firth of Forth and Almond - remain on alert. A spokesperson for the Scotch Whisky Association said: 'During previous dry spells, Scotch Whisky distilleries have managed their water usage effectively. 'Industry sites often have shutdown periods over the summer months for essential maintenance and distilleries flexed these shutdowns as necessary to minimise the impact on the local water environment.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A statement added: 'Water is a crucial component of Scotch Whisky, both as an ingredient and in the manufacturing process. 'The industry is continually looking for ways to improve our water stewardship and preserve the landscapes where Scotch Whisky must be made. 'The industry's Sustainability Strategy and Water Stewardship Framework continues to drive progress on a wide range of water-related themes including water efficiency and usage. 'The industry will continue to work with SEPA and other regulators to ensure water is used responsibly.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The number of distilleries affected could not be confirmed by the association or SEPA. Meanwhile, Scottish Water, which operates public supply across the country, said water levels across its 200 lochs and reservoirs, which are sitting at 79 per cent capacity, remained manageable with no plans to introduce a hosepipe ban. However, Scots have been urged to use water wisely by taking shorter showers, using washing machines only when they are full, avoiding hosepipes and sprinklers and reusing paddling pool water. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Yesterday, Yorkshire became the first region in the UK to restrict water usage after its reservoirs fells to just under 56 per cent capacity. Scottish Water said the situation with the public water supply was 'quite typical' for this time of year and that it was 'business as usual'. Revellers use hand fans to try and cool down at the TRNSMT festival in Glasgow | PA The current 79 per cent capacity at reservoirs is around five per cent lower than normal for July, but within manageable levels. In May, Scottish Water considered the introduction of a water restriction order during the hot dry spell as capacity fell to 77 per cent - or 13 per cent below the average for the month. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad As reservoir levels dip, one technique deployed by the authority is to 'create more water' with distribution increased at water treatment plants. Production has doubled from 50 million litres to 100 million litres a day during the hotter days - with a further increase due this weekend. More than 150 million litres per day is due to be produced over Saturday and Sunday. Water can also be moved around the country in tankers, but this approach has not been required during the recent dry spell. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hosepipe ban A hosepipe ban in Scotland has not been introduced in Scotland since the mid-1990s in the Highlands. Water Shortage Orders, which could include a hosepipe ban, require approval by the Scottish Government and were introduced in 2013. They are considered a last resort and have not yet been deployed. A Scottish Water spokesperson said: "We are monitoring and managing our water resources to ensure we are able to maintain normal supplies to customers in all areas. 'We would encourage all customers to help us by using water as efficiently as possible at all times of year, including during the current warm weather.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Meanwhile, Central and Eastern parts of Scotland are under a warning of an 'extreme' danger of wildfires from Friday through to Monday, which the rest of the country covered from Saturday through to Monday. Only low-lying areas with green grass are exempt. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said anything requiring naked flames such as barbeques should only be used with great care. Group commander Raymond King said earlier: 'We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame. 'Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland, and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires – as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities. 'These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment, and the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.' Earlier in July, parts of the north of Scotland were hit by wildfires on a 'vast scale' which burned for several days, prompting a police investigation. The Met Office has said the heatwave will last longer than the one experienced earlier this summer, and will cover a larger part of the country. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ahead of TRNSMT in Glasgow, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde urged music fans to stay safe by ensuring they are protected from the sun and stay hydrated. Dr Emilia Crichton, director of public health, said: 'This weekend is looking like a great time to get outside for warmer weather. 'No matter what you're doing, please enjoy the good weather safely by protecting yourself when in the sun, staying hydrated, and having common medicines to hand. 'We know tens of thousands of people will be heading to TRNSMT and we hope everyone has a fantastic time.
Indian Express
04-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
When heritage travels from Kolhapur to Milan, how do we protect it?
More than 10,000 artisan families in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, along with the craftsmen in Karnataka, have been handcrafting Kolhapuri chappals for generations, using vegetable-tanned leather, intricate toe-loop braiding, and indigenous designs, earning a GI tag in 2019. Despite this rich heritage and legal recognition, Prada initially failed to credit their craftsmanship, when it unveiled strikingly similar sandals in its Spring/Summer 2026 showcase. However, this isn't the first such instance of an Indian product going global without due credit. Indian traditional heritage products have repeatedly been appropriated by global corporations, turning centuries of indigenous wisdom into battlegrounds for 'intellectual property rights'. Not the first instance A GI tag identifies goods as originating from a specific country, region or locality, where their distinctive qualities, characteristics, or reputation are essentially linked to that 'place of origin'. These attributes may arise from natural factors, such as soil, climate, temperature or raw materials, or from human elements like traditional methods of production or adherence to certain quality standards. The association between a product and its place becomes so well-known that the mention of one reminds of the other — a reference to Kolhapur in Maharashtra, for example, instantly brings to mind the humble yet durable Kolhapuri chappals. Similarly, 'Champagne' refers not just to a French district but also to its iconic sparkling wine. In India, currently, Uttar Pradesh leads with the highest number of registered GIs (79), followed by Tamil Nadu (71) and Maharashtra (55). Among categories, handicrafts dominate with 366 registrations, ahead of agricultural goods (215) and foodstuffs (52), illustrating how India's diverse geography is deeply entwined with its cultural identity. In 2021, a renowned Indian fashion designer faced similar allegations for appropriating Rajasthan's GI-tagged Sanganeri hand block printing in a collection made with a multinational fast fashion retailer. Such branding exercises, under the guise of 'globalising Indian designs', coupled with poor legal enforcement, threaten the livelihoods of handmade goods producers and risk erasing the communities preserving these invaluable traditions. In such cases, companies may argue there's no infringement since they don't explicitly claim origin from Kolhapur or Sanganer. However, under the principles of passing off or unfair trade or colourable imitation, even implied or suggested associations can constitute infringement. In Scotch Whisky Association vs Pravara Sahakari Karkhana (1992), the court restrained the defendants from passing off their whisky under the description 'Blended with Scotch' along with a symbol featuring a Scottish drummer wearing a kilt, by misappropriating the plaintiff's goodwill. The legal recourse For registrability, an indication must fall within the definition of a 'geographical indication' under Section 2(1)(e) of the 1999 Act, which identifies goods as agricultural, natural or manufactured with certain quality or characteristic attributable to their 'geographical origin'. While GI registration is not mandatory in India, it offers stronger legal protection under Section 21, enabling infringement actions by registered proprietors and authorised users. If an unauthorised party misleads the public about the product's origin, engages in unfair competition, or falsely claims that the goods come from a registered GI region, legal action may be pursued. The burden of proving the proprietor's assent lies on the accused. Chapter VIII of the GI Act, 1999, outlines penalties and offences in detail. Under this, any police officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police may, upon reasonable satisfaction that an offence has been or is likely to be committed, search and seize — without a warrant — the goods, dies, blocks, machines, or other instruments involved. In case of offences committed by a company, Section 49 holds both the company and persons responsible for its conduct liable. Alternatively, civil remedies such as injunctions, damages, account of profits, and even an Anton Piller order may be sought. However, the scope of GI protection remains limited. GI rights are 'territorial', meaning they only apply in the country or region where protection is granted. There is no automatic international GI protection. Nevertheless, mechanisms do exist for global enforcement. First, recognition must be obtained in the country of origin — often a prerequisite — before applying for protection abroad. Other avenues include bilateral agreements (especially in sectors like wines and spirits), the WIPO Lisbon System, which allows protection across member states through a single registration, and the Madrid System, which enables GI-like protection as a collective or certification mark. What can be done? To truly safeguard traditional knowledge and support the communities behind these products, systemic reforms are essential. One promising initiative is the expansion of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) to cover grassroots cultural expressions, including weaving, stitching, and dyeing traditions. Creating a publicly accessible, searchable database would help brands conduct due diligence, identify rights-holder communities, and initiate equitable collaborations. This can also lay the foundation for Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS). Inspired by Section 21 of India's Biological Diversity Act, 2002, a similar legal framework should be developed to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the use of 'traditional knowledge', either directly with rightful communities or through a general-purpose fund. Together, a widened TKDL and ABS legal framework tailored to cultural expressions can help prevent one-sided exploitation and promote fair partnerships between global brands and traditional artisans, benefiting both. Moreover, to boost visibility and sales of such products, a dedicated GI e-commerce marketplace can connect artisans directly with domestic and global buyers. Credibility in wider markets can be strengthened through attractive branding and eco-friendly packaging, supported by GI tags and QR-coded origin stories. Tourism-based promotion also holds promise. Craft trails, homestays, and live workshops in regions like Kolhapur and Madhubani can draw tourists while generating income for artisans. Public procurement by government departments for gifting and decor can ensure steady demand. Finally, simplifying GST norms and extending export incentives to artisan-led GI exports would further enhance profitability and encourage more participation in international trade. Safeguarding our traditional knowledge must go hand in hand with creating sustainable livelihoods for those who inherit, protect and pass it on. The writer is a lawyer based in New Delhi
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Argentina awards GI status to Scotch
Scotch whisky has become the first international product to receive protected geographical indication (GI) status in Argentina. The GI status, an intellectual property right, is used on products with qualities linked to a specific geographical origin. Other examples include Welsh Lamb and Melton Mowbray Pork Pies. In a statement, the UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the GI tag is a legal safeguard that guarantees products branded as Scotch whisky are 'genuine and meet strict production standards', and allow authorities to 'tackle counterfeit products'. Defra added the development underscores the 'increasing global demand for authentic British products overseas'. Defra said the achievement follows six years of efforts with the UK Department for Business and Trade and industry associations. A spokesperson for the Scotch Whisky Association noted the development was "a product of many years' work by the SWA and our counterparts in the market". They added: "However, there remain significant economic challenges in other larger markets – not least here in the UK, and in our biggest market, the US. 'With a 14% increase to spirits duty in two years, excessive EPR fees for glass, and the industry excluded from the Industrial Strategy, Scotch Whisky producers want to see the UK government take more concerted action to reduce the tax and regulatory burden in our home market.' In 2024, GI products constituted about 25% of the UK food and drink exports, valued at over £6bn ($8.2bn) annually, according to Defra. In December, 39 British food and drinks products gained protected status in Japan. Last August, Scotch also received GI status in Brazil. At the time, the government said the decision in Brazil could generate £25m for the industry over the next five years. Apart from combating counterfeit products, it would boost global recognition £and and intellectual property" for Scotch in Brazil's market. In May, India and the UK signed a trade deal reducing tariffs on whisky, gin and soft drinks entering India. Whisky and gin tariffs will be halved to 75% from 150%, eventually falling to 40% by 'year ten' of the deal. India remains the largest export market by volume for Scotch whisky, with over 192 million bottles exported in 2024, a 14.6% increase from the previous year. In terms of value, India ranked fifth for Scotch whisky exports in 2024, with £248m worth of exports sent there last year, up 13.8% on 2023. This embedded content is not available in your region. In 2024, global exports of Scotch whisky declined in value but an increase in volume. Exports by value reached £5.4bn, marking a 3.7% decrease from 2023, according to the data released by Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) in February. The Asia-Pacific region was the largest market by value for Scotch exports, amounting to £1.57bn, with notable growth in India and Japan. "Argentina awards GI status to Scotch" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
The National
03-07-2025
- Business
- The National
Scotch whisky wins protected status in Argentina in 'global first'
In the South American nation, GI status is a legal label and a mark of quality or reputation which is closely tied to a geographic area. It means that Scotch whisky products in Argentina must meet strict production standards. The Scotch Whisky Association explains that, for a product to qualify as Scotch, it must be made from just three natural ingredients – cereals, water, and yeast – be distilled and matured in Scotland for at least three years, and bottled at a minimum alcoholic strength of 40% ABV. READ MORE: Scotch whisky giant announces acquisition of The Famous Grouse Single malt Scotch whiskies must be bottled in Scotland, and distilled at a single distillery from water and malted barley without the addition of any other cereals, and by batch distillation in copper pot stills. The UK Government said the GI status in Argentina would help 'tackle counterfeit products, giving shoppers confidence they are buying an authentic product and distillers reassurance to expand their presence in a market without risk of imitation products undermining their reputation'. It said that GI products represent around 25% of the UK's food and drink exports and 'an estimated annual value exceeding £6 billion'. Trade Minister Douglas Alexander said: 'Scotch Whisky is the first foreign product to receive special protection in Argentina which is testament to not only the strength of our trade ties with Argentina, but the prestige and reach of Scotland's world-renowned product. READ MORE: We can still raise a glass to future of our whisky 'This is another win for an industry already bolstered by our deal with India which slashes whisky tariffs by half immediately and then down even further in the years to come, demonstrating our action to boost Scotland's businesses and delivering economic growth under the Plan for Change.' Scottish Secretary Ian Murray added: '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.'
