Local MP & MSP Welcome Chinese Whisky Agreement

The Westminster and Scottish Parliamentarians representing part of Scotland’s top whisky-producing county have welcomed the signing of an agreement between the UK and Chinese Government which will ensure much greater brand protection for Banffshire whisky producers.

The move comes after First Minister Alex Salmond, himself a Banffshire MSP, led a delegation to China where details of the new protection measures were discussed.

The deal essentially means that Scotch Whisky being sold in China will be sold according to the same rules as the UK, ensuring that whisky drinkers are getting exactly what it says on the bottle.

Commenting, Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson said:

“The whisky industry is a vital contributor to the Banffshire economy and to the wider Scottish and UK economies.

“China is a major economic force and the market for Scotch Whisky in the country is growing rapidly. We have seen major investment in whisky production in Banffshire just recently with the welcome re-opening of the Glenglassaugh Distillery and this sets the scene for continued growth in the sector.”

Local MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford said:

“Whisky is one of Scotland’s greatest success stories and is an iconic symbol of our country. This agreement with China will help ensure a bright future for a sector that is vital to Banffshire and Scotland.

“This move can provide a basis for further investment in new plant and jobs in the whisky industry, which is always looking at future market growth, especially in rapidly growing economies in the Far East.”