The UK government has set out new rules to protect iconic food names such as Stilton cheese and Melton Mowbray pork pies after the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December.
The new scheme will supersede existing European Union protection rules when the UK ceases to be a member of the trading bloc from 1 January.
In announcing the scheme yesterday (22 October), the UK government suggested the new geographical indications (GI) rules will “ensure popular and traditional produce from across Britain will be granted special status to mark out their authenticity and origin”.
New logos can be displayed on all British produce which is given GI status.
Products such as Welsh lamb and Cornish clotted cream will also be covered by the scheme.
Producers granted GI status will also benefit from intellectual property protection so that others cannot imitate them.
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By GlobalDataThe UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) said in a statement that GIs will only be awarded to the highlight regional and traditional foods where authenticity and origin can be guaranteed.
UK Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “The new logos launched today will become a staple on supermarket aisles in the UK and mean shoppers will be able to pick the best of British, from Scotch whisky and Welsh lamb to Cornish clotted cream.”
There are three UK GI logos, which were developed in conjunction with GI producers, devolved administrations and consumers, marking each designation of geographical indication.
The UK government said it is working to expand and increase the number of GI protections through free trade agreements.
