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Single malt whisky made in Wales has been awarded protected status, joining products such as Welsh lamb and Caerphilly cheese.

Single Malt Welsh Whisky has received protected Geographical Indication (GI) status.

Protected GI status recognises products that have close ties with a particular geographic area.

The purpose of protected GI status is to give legal protection to a product’s authenticity and protects the name from imitation or misuse.

The scheme was launched in the UK in 2021 following the UK’s exit from the European Union, and replaces the European version of the scheme.

Four Welsh distilleries were part of the final bid for GI status, including Cynon Valley-based Penderyn Distillery, Cardigan-based In The Welsh Wind, Ceridigion’s Da Mhile Distillery and Coles Distillery, which is in Carmarthenshire.

Welsh Single Malt Whisky is currently exported to more than 45 countries and is forecast to generate a revenue of £23m in the current financial year, including domestic, export and travel retail sales.

In total, 20 products have now earned GI status in Wales, including Anglesey sea salt, Welsh beef and Welsh leeks.

Stephen Davies, Chief Executive at Penderyn said: “The achievement of UKGI status for Single Malt Welsh Whisky is a significant milestone for Penderyn as a producer, and also for the wider Welsh whisky industry. It assists in safeguarding both the quality of the product and also its source of origin.

“It’s an exciting step forward and one that puts focus on an industry that has been growing steadily over the last 20 years.”

The Welsh Government minister for rural affairs, Lesley Griffiths, said: “It is brilliant news Single Malt Welsh Whisky has joined the Welsh GI family with it’s name now protected.

“The Welsh whisky industry continues to go from strength to strength, playing an important role in the food and drink sector here in Wales.

“I am very pleased for all those involved in gaining this prestigious status and ensures this fantastic product gains the recognition and prestige it deserves.”

Conservative MS Samuel Kurtz, who is the shadow minister for rural affairs, described the announcement as “fantastic news”.

He said: “With the addition of this prestigious award, the whisky industry in Wales will receive a significant boost, along with benefits to the Welsh economy.

“I look forward to seeing some of the distillers at the Royal Welsh Show this week and congratulating them first-hand for their success in championing this unique Welsh product.”