Japanese trade association sets sights on GI status for Japanese whisky

The organisation is aiming to “raise awareness of Japanese whisky” both in Japan and abroad while also making it easier for consumers to distinguish it from other types of whisky. The JSLMA will aim for the registration of ‘Japanese Whisky’ for GI status – much like scotch whisky – and intends to consult with the Japan National Tax Agency on the establishment of “labelling standards for the manufacturing process and quality of Japanese whisky”.

“We hope that our efforts to improve transparency, clarity for consumers and safeguard the reputation of the Japanese whisky category will lead to further prosperity of the entire whisky industry in Japan,” said JSLMA chair Daisuke Tsukahara.

The announcement has been welcomed by House of Suntory, Suntory Global Spirits’ Japanese whisky division.

“We are pleased to see that the JSLMA is taking steps to make this new standard legally binding and unveiling a new logo that will help people easily distinguish authentic Japanese whiskies in the market,” said unit president Masaki ‘Mory’ Morimoto.

Earlier this year, Suntory announced further investment in its gin production capabilities in Japan, with almost US$43m lined up for the construction of a new distillery in the country.