The SNP has marked the first anniversary of Argentina becoming the first country outside the UK to grant Scotch Whisky Geographical Indication protection, celebrating what it describes as an important milestone for one of Scotland’s best known exports.

The agreement, reached a year ago, gave Scotch Whisky legal protection in Argentina, helping ensure products sold under the name meet the strict standards required to be recognised as genuine Scotch.

The recognition was the first time Argentina had awarded Geographical Indication status to an international product.

SNP MSP George Adam said:

“There is no better day to raise a glass to Argentina and I’m sure Scottish households will be united today as we mark this historic occasion.

“One year on since Argentina gave its seal of approval to our premier product, it won’t be lost on anyone the number of Argentina flags draped in windows across the country as we celebrate that one year anniversary.

“The links between Argentina and Scotland dial way back to 1893 when Alexander Watson Hutton founded the Argentine football association.

“Here in 2026 it’s clear the bonds between our two nations remain as tightly bound as ever.

“Scotch Whisky is something that we can all be proud of and it is only right that people across Scotland rejoice with our Argentinian friends.”

Geographical Indication status helps protect the identity and reputation of products closely linked to the place where they are produced, preventing imitation products from being marketed under protected names.

For Scotland, where whisky remains one of the country’s largest exports, the agreement represented another step in protecting one of its most valuable global brands.