Irish whiskey now legally protected in Oz

The Irish Whiskey Association has succeeded in registering ‘Irish whiskey’ as a certification mark in Australia.

This registration provides legal protection for Irish whiskey in Australia for the first time and means that decisive action can be taken against fake Irish whiskey products thus ensuring consumer confidence in the quality and authenticity of Irish whiskey.

Australia is a Top 10 export market for Irish whiskey and one of the fastest-growing. In 2017 Australia bought 1.9 million bottles of Irish whiskey and according to the CSO the volume of Irish whiskey exports to Australia increased by 35% in the first 10 months of 2018.

“This registration means Irish whiskey for the first time is protected and defined in Australian law, which will greatly enhance our ability to take action against rogue traders,” commented Carleen Madigan, the IWA’s Legal Advisor, “This will ensure Irish whiskey maximises its potential and maintains its growth trajectory.”