Scots foods such as Scottish wild salmon and Ayrshire new potatoes have been given protected status in Japan in a bid to stop counterfeiters.
The products will now be safeguarded against imitation in the Far East thanks to a deal struck between the UK and Japanese governments.
Other Scottish delicacies to be granted Geographical Indications (GIs) in the country include Orkney Beef and Orkney Lamb and Shetland Lamb.
Securing GIs for foods prevents counterfeit products being placed on the Japanese market, ensuring UK businesses can export with confidence and consumers receive authentic, high-quality products.
Japan’s population of 124 million people has a strong appetite for international food and drink. The country’s status as the world’s fourth largest economy in 2023 highlights the strength of its consumer market and the commercial opportunities for premium British products in Japan.
The protections will safeguard food and drink products with a distinct local identity, supporting jobs and tourism in mainly rural areas and boosting local growth, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
Daniel Zeichner, the UK government’s Minister for Food Security, said: ‘I’m thrilled to see there’s a taste for authentic British food and drink in Japan.
‘We are committed to growing trade opportunities for British producers around the world as part of our Plan for Change, boosting growth and benefitting businesses across the country.
‘The UK is home to a feast of flavours from every corner of the British Isles.
‘With the new agreement between the UK and Japan, consumers will now be able to chew over their choices with confidence, knowing they’re getting the quality and reputation that British food is known for – it’s the perfect recipe for success.’
A total of 39 food and drink products from across the UK have been given protection as part of the deal. They also include Single Malt Welsh Whisky and Beacon Fell Traditional Lancashire Cheese.
The UK protects the Geographical Indications of several Japanese food and drink products, including Hokkaido wine and Hiba beef.
Trade Policy Minister Douglas Alexander said: ‘Iconic UK products such as Ayrshire New Potatoes and Carmarthen Ham will now benefit from protected status in Japan.
‘From Sussex to Armagh we are securing protections for unique British food and drink products, ensuring Japanese consumers can rest assured that they are receiving authentic, high-quality British produce.
‘This will give British producers confidence when exporting to Japan, helping them sell more, grow their business and ultimately drive economic growth.’
Other Scottish products including Arbroath smokies and Stornoway black pudding were given protected status in Japan in a separate deal struck last year.
Scotch Whisky was given protection in Brazil, South America’s largest economy, in August, tackling counterfeits and giving distillers the confidence to up their exports to the country.
The UK’s annual GI exports are estimated to be worth over £6billion and account for 25 per cent of UK food and drink exports’ value.