SCOTCH Whisky has secured legal protection in an African country for the first time to help in the battle against fakes.
The landmark means Scotch now has geographical indication (GI) status in Botswana, the first product to gain that in the country.
The Scotch Whisky Association, which made the GI application, said the value of direct shipments to Botswana was £456,728 last year, up 163 per cent from £173,638 in 2013.
David Frost, SWA chief executive, said: "We expect to see demand for Scotch increase in many African countries in coming years as economies grow. It's important that consumers have confidence in the quality of what they are buying, which this recognition of Scotch as a 'geographical indication' will help to achieve."
To be classified as Scotch the spirit must be made in Scotland from water, cereals and yeast and matured for at least three years.
Scotch is now recognised in the laws of more than 70 countries.
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