British regional products such as Stilton cheese, Scotch whisky, and Melton Mowbray pork pies could lose their legal protection in the EU after Brexit, according to reports. The EU is expected to reject UK demands for stronger protections for these geographical indications (GIs) in upcoming trade talks.
Currently, 83 British food and drink products are on the EU's register of GIs, which prevents imitation versions from using the same names. These products, including Cumberland sausages and Welsh lamb, were worth an estimated £7 billion in 2017.
While the Withdrawal Agreement ensures EU GIs are protected in the UK post-Brexit, British products may be removed from the register at the end of the transition period unless a new agreement is reached. UK chief negotiator David Frost has called for a more balanced arrangement, noting the current deal requires the UK to protect EU GIs indefinitely without reciprocal obligations.
An EU source stated there is no intention to reopen the Withdrawal Agreement. Trade experts are sceptical about the UK's chances of securing better protection, as the UK had already conceded to EU demands on GIs during earlier negotiations.
