New logos for protected food and drink products unveiled

At the end of the transition period, all existing protected UK products under the scheme will automatically get protection under a new UK GI status.

Wales currently has 16 protected food and drink products, ranging from Traditional Welsh Caerphilly Cheese, Halen Mon, Welsh lamb to the latest addition Denbigh plum.

Protected products benefit from a high profile and are recognised for their special qualities by consumers across the world.

The new logos, which the Welsh Government has worked with Defra, GI producers and consumers on their development, will represent the unique and protected nature of these products to consumers. It will provide confidence the protected product is linked to origin and is authentic whilst protecting makers against imitation.

Welcoming the new scheme, the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths said:

“We are incredibly proud of our world renowned Welsh food and drink sector. Wales currently has 16 protected food & drink products, all of which will be given automatic recognition in the new UK GI scheme, which will come into force at the end of the transition period.

“The new logos unveiled today will ensure our protected products continue to be officially recognised for their authenticity, uniqueness & high quality.”

There are three UK GI logos, which mark each designation of geographical indication:  

• Protected designation of origin (PDO);
• Protected geographical indication (PGI)  
• Traditional speciality guaranteed (TSG)  

Registered producers of British food, drink and agricultural GI products that are required to use the logos will have until 1 January 2024 to change packaging to display the new UK GI logos.

Legislation due to be laid today in the UK Parliament will enable the new GI schemes to be administered, ensure continue protection of existing products, establish the new logos and simplify the application process.