Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef have officially been recognised with Geographical Indication (GI) status in Japan. The protected status means that the premium products can be exported to Japan with added assurance that they are protected against imitations.
The announcement from the Department for Business and Trade, which has been hailed a success for Welsh red meat by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), follows the completion of UK and Japanese scrutiny and bureaucratic processes. A second group is set to be announced once further work has concluded.
The UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement entered into force on 1 January 2021 and will lead to the increase of protected GIs from just seven under the EU-Japan trade deal to over 70.
Laura Pickup, HCC’s Head of Strategic Marketing and Connections said: “We are delighted that Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef are now protected with the GI designation. It builds on the crucial work HCC has already done in securing a market for our premium brands in what is a key export market for us.
“Additionally, it means that consumers in Japan can rest assured that when they purchase GI Welsh Lamb and GI Welsh Beef, they are choosing a premium product, which is underpinned by heritage and sustainable production methods that we know are world leading.”
