Welsh gin, oysters and honey are to join the list of food and drink products granted protected geographical indication (PGI) status under the UK’s Geographical Indication schemes.
Dovey Native Botanical Gin, Pembrokeshire Native Oysters, Pembrokeshire Rock Oysters and Welsh Heather Honey/Mêl Grug Cymru have been formally recognised for their distinctive qualities and regional heritage, ensuring only authentic items meeting strict production standards and geographical requirements can be marketed under these protected names.
Dovey Native Botanical Gin and Welsh Heather Honey/Mêl Grug Cymru are the first gin and honey made in the UK to be given protected status.
“I am delighted that Welsh Heather Honey’s precise origin and characteristics have been recognised,” Gruffydd Rees of Gwenyn Gruffydd Ltd in Carmarthenshire, said. “The UK GI application process is long, and it is wonderful that Wales is the first UK nation to have a honey receive PGI status.
Jake Davies, of Atlantic Edge Oysters, said: “Having a PGI Status will attract a broader audience and market who are more aware of GI products and will allow us to join the GI family which has a number of fantastic products.”
Since 2009 the Welsh government’s GI scheme has enabled a range of uniquely Welsh food and drink products to join the GI family. Once they've joined, these products benefit from protected status and continual promotional activity both online and at events.
