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The
Executive is committed to protecting and promoting Scottish drinks
producers.
Whisky is one of Scotland’s most famous and most
important exports, generating millions each year for our economy and
sustaining thousands of jobs.
 The
Executive is committed to protecting and promoting Scottish drinks
producers, Deputy Enterprise Minister Allan Wilson said today.
Mr Wilson was speaking ahead of a visit to Strasbourg, where he will be
representing the interests of Scotland’s drinks industry as part of the
negotiation on the European Commission’s proposed new Spirit Drinks
Regulation.
He said:
“Whisky is one of Scotland’s most famous and most important exports,
generating millions each year for our economy and sustaining thousands of
jobs.
“It is therefore only right that The Scottish Executive, working in
partnership with the UK Government, represents the industry’s interests in
these EU negotiations.
“Like the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), I believe that the new
legislation proposed by the European Commission will safeguard the quality
reputation of spirits such as Scotch Whisky, and protect producers and
consumers from unfair competition.
“I particularly welcome the Commission’s proposed strengthened definition of
whisky, which will be beneficial to the industry.
“There are, however, difficulties concerning the definition of vodka. We
want to see an inclusive definition of vodka which will protect current
practices. We are confident that there will be an amicable solution and are
doing all we can, with our partners in the UK, to work towards this
objective.
“We are very grateful to the SWA for all the support and advice they have
provided. This is the sort of productive working relationship very much in
keeping with ‘Scotland’s Enterprising Spirit’.”
Nick Soper, European Affairs Director at The Scotch Whisky Association,
said:
“We warmly welcome the Minister’s visit to Strasbourg and the Executive’s
support by taking this message direct to EU policy makers. The Spirit Drinks
Regulation is of fundamental importance to Scotch Whisky distillers.
“Adoption of the proposed definition of ‘whisky’ at EU level, which
expresses traditional practice more clearly, will help to protect both
consumers and Scotch Whisky in important export markets.”
NOTES:
1. Key whisky stats:
- Around 41,000 Scottish jobs depend on the production of Scotch whisky –
accounting for almost 2% of all jobs in Scotland and generating over £800
million of income in Scotland annually;
- At the UK level around 65,000 jobs are supported generating £1.3 billion
of income;
- Around 7,000 jobs in remote rural areas of Scotland are supported by the
whisky industry;
- The whisky industry is Scotland’s second largest export earning industry
(after electronics);
- It is the UK’s fifth largest export earning industry (after chemicals,
metal goods, textiles and office equipment);
- Whisky exports have exceeded £2 billion for each of the past twelve years;
and
- Whisky brings maximum benefit to the Scottish economy, because it sources
locally and exports a very high proportion of its finished goods.
2. The Minister is visiting the European Parliament on September 5 to
promote Scottish and UK interests on the new EU Spirits Drinks Regulation
currently being negotiated by the European Parliament and Council.
3. The new Regulation will update and improve existing EU law governing the
definition, description and presentation of spirit drinks. This is important
legislation which has safeguarded the worldwide reputation for quality of
spirits such as Scotch Whisky, and has protected producers and consumers
from unfair competition.
4. The EU Commission brought forward a proposed new Regulation in December
2005. It is currently being considered by Member States at official level
and by the European Parliament. The Commission’s proposal aims to enhance
consumer protection, prevent deceptive practices, ensure transparency in the
market, and allow for fair competition.
5. The draft Regulation sets out an improved description of “whisky” which
expresses current practice more clearly and removes ambiguities in the
current legislation. In particular there will be an explicit ban on the
addition of other alcohol, sweetening, and flavourings.
6. The Commission proposes a registration scheme for spirit drinks with
Geographical Indications (GIs) – protected names for products produced in
specific geographic regions of the EU. This brings EU legislation into
compliance with WTO rules.
7. The Regulation also updates the definition of vodka. Currently, vodka can
be made from a number of specified agricultural products including cereals,
sugar beet, cane sugar, molasses and grapes. The Commission’s draft
Regulation maintains this position. However, some Member States are pressing
for a more restrictive definition limiting vodka production to ethyl alcohol
made from potatoes or cereals only.
8. The UK - the second largest vodka producer in the EU, after Poland – is
among a number of countries taking the view that there is no justification
for a change of definition. In addition, if the definition were changed it
may provoke WTO challenges from countries that use molasses, soya and other
raw materials to produce their vodka. It could also provoke legal challenges
within the EU.
9. It is hoped that the Regulation will be completed early in the New Year.
Contact: Stuart Lewis: 0131 244 2682
News Release: «NewsReleaseNo»
Internet: www.scotland.gov.uk
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