Irish whiskey and Irish poteen Geographical Indications (GI) Verification Scheme

What is a Geographical Indication (GI)?

A Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign that a product comes from a particular region which gives it a specific quality, reputation or other characteristic. Irish examples include Clare Island Salmon, Connemara Hill Lamb and Waterford Blaa.

Since January 2016, there is a GI in place for Irish whiskey and Irish poteen. If you wish to market a product as either:

• Irish whiskey
• or
• Irish poteen

you must follow the requirements which are set out in the Technical Files.

A number of government organisations work together on the GI for Irish whiskey and Irish poteen.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is responsible for the overall scheme and wrote the Technical Files. DAFM is also responsible for enforcement with regard to non-compliance with the Technical Files.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is responsible for the enforcement of all food legislation in Ireland.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) is responsible for enforcement with regard to non-compliant labels.

Revenue is responsible for carrying out the GI verification checks for Irish Whiskey and Irish Poteen.

Next: What is verification?