A major step forward in efforts to protect Scotch Whisky in one of its most exciting, emerging markets has been welcomed by The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA). Following an SWA application, the Chinese Trade Mark Office under Administration of Industry & Commerce (AIC) has agreed to protect ‘Scotch Whisky’ as a Geographical Indication (GI) by registering it as a ‘collective trade mark’ in China. As a result, there will be nationwide official protection of the description ‘Scotch... ...Read more »

Diageo, world leading premium drinks business and owner of the Johnnie Walker brand, has created new technology to crackdown on whiskey fraud. The company has been concerned by counterfeiters who refill their Johnnie Walker bottles and sell them as if new and, consequently, have sought to protect their brand with the introduction of a device to prevent such fraudulent activity. Caps on Johnnie Walker bottles will now not return to their original position after opening and a permanent gold band appears... ...Read more »

Fraudulent activity has been discovered in the UK which could be leading to the sale of unsafe food. The Food Standards Agency and police are warning food companies to be on the alert to a fraud, which involves identity theft, that may have affected a number of food businesses across the country. The fraudsters are alleged to have targeted small legitimate wholesale food businesses that supply meat, seafood and fruit and vegetables. The alleged offenders work by acquiring authentic letter heads of... ...Read more »