Welsh gin, oysters and honey are to join the list of food and
drink products granted protected geographical indication (PGI)
status under the UK's Geographical Indication schemes.
Dovey Native Botanical Gin, Pembrokeshire Native Oysters,
Pembrokeshire Rock Oysters and Welsh Heather Honey have been
formally recognised for their distinctive qualities and regional
heritage, ensuring only authentic items meeting strict production
standards and geographical requirements can be marketed under
these protected names.
Welsh culinary tradition dates back centuries, with its food and
drink deeply rooted in the nation's landscape, culture, and
history. From nutrient-rich waters producing exceptional seafood
to vibrant heather moorlands ideal for honey production, Welsh
producers have long crafted distinctive products shaped by local
environments and passed-down expertise.
This recognition gives producers a valuable market advantage
while preserving traditional production methods, protecting and
championing local products while creating economic opportunity
across all parts of the UK under the Government's Plan for
Change.
UK Government Minister for Food Security, Farming and Rural
Affairs, said:
The UK is home to a feast of flavours from every corner of the
British Isles, and these new protections help celebrate the
outstanding craftsmanship and heritage behind Welsh food and
drink.
By giving these products unique status, we're helping local
businesses grow while ensuring consumers can enjoy authentic
regional specialities for generations to come.
These additions join other popular Welsh products already
recognised under the GI scheme, including Anglesey Sea Salt,
Welsh Leeks, Traditional Welsh Cider and Single-malt Welsh
Whisky, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Wales.
Secretary of State for Wales said:
Dovey gin, Pembrokeshire oysters and Welsh honey are fantastic
products and it's right that they are being recognised as the
high-quality, specialist items they are.
The GI scheme guarantees quality and excellence while celebrating
our outstanding local Welsh produce and driving growth in this
vital sector.
Wales' Deputy First Minister, , who has responsibility for Climate Change and
Rural Affairs, said:
This recognition strengthens Wales' growing family of protected
foods, showcases the extraordinary quality of our produce, and
reflects our commitment to high-quality, sustainable food
production.
From the mountains to the coast, Wales produces some of the
UK's most iconic foods, cultivated with care and tradition. Each
GI product tells the story of our landscape, our producers'
expertise and our proud culinary heritage.
With these new registrations, the total number of UK GIs now
reaches 97, representing premium produce from across all four
nations of the United Kingdom.
The GI schemes support UK food and drink businesses by protecting
the reputation of regional products, promoting traditional and
agricultural activity while boosting growth in local
economies.
Danny Cameron of Dovey Native Botanical Gin said:
Having GI Status is a good thing and helps to raise awareness of
Botanical gin being provenance-based and produced to such a
strict and high quality.
Gruffydd Rees of Gwenyn Gruffydd Ltd in Carmarthenshire said:
I am delighted that Welsh Heather Honey's precise origin and
characteristics have been recognised. The UK GI application
process is long, and it is wonderful that Wales is the first UK
nation to have a honey receive PGI status.
Jake Davies, Atlantic Edge Oysters, said:
Having a PGI Status will attract a broader audience and market
who are more aware of GI products and will allow us to join the
GI family which has a number of fantastic products.
