Wales’ national vegetable and emblem, the Welsh Leek, is now officially protected as it gains PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) UK GI status.
It becomes the third new Welsh product to achieve the highly sought-after UK GI status, following on from Gower Salt Marsh Lamb and Cambrian Mountains Lamb.
Welsh Leeks also becomes the 19th member of the Welsh GI family of products, joining the likes of other great produce such as Anglesey Sea Salt, Welsh Lamb, Welsh Beef and Pembrokeshire Earlies. Each family member is Welsh to the core and uniquely linked to the landscapes and seascapes which nurture them.
The UK GI scheme was established at the beginning of 2021, following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, and ensures certain food and drink products can continue to receive legal protection against imitation and misuse.
From now on, products bearing the UK GI logo will promote the heritage and culture of Wales and provide the product and consumers with certification of quality and uniqueness.
The ‘Welsh GI family’ of 19 products.
| 1. Welsh Beef |
| 2. Welsh Lamb |
| 3. Pembrokeshire Earlies |
| 4. Anglesey Sea Salt |
| 5. Conwy Mussels |
| 6. Carmarthen Ham |
| 7. Traditionally Reared Pedigree Welsh Pork |
| 8. West Wales Coracle Caught Salmon |
| 9. West Wales Coracle Caught Sewin |
| 10. Welsh Laverbread |
| 11. Traditional Welsh Perry |
| 12. Traditional Welsh Cider |
| 13. Welsh Wine |
| 14. Welsh Wine (regional) |
| 15. Traditional Welsh Caerphilly |
| 16. The Vale of Clwyd Denbigh Plum |
| 17. Gower Salt Marsh Lamb |
| 18. Cambrian Mountains Lamb |
| 19. Welsh Leeks |
The Welsh Government provides expert advice on how to qualify and apply for UKGI status and funds support to promote the Welsh GI family
GI products have a geographical connection or are made using traditional methods. GI protection guarantees a product’s characteristics or reputation, authenticity, and origin. It protects the product name from misuse or imitation when the product is sold in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales).
There are 4 UK GI schemes:
- Food Agricultural Products
- Wine
- Aromatised wine
- Spirit Drinks
And 3 designations which are represented by their own logos:
- protected designation of origin (PDO)
- protected geographical indication (PGI)
- traditional speciality guaranteed (TSG)
An individual or business does not own a GI. Any producer can make and sell a product under a registered product name if they
- follow the product’s specification
- are verified to do so
Specifications for Welsh product names are available in Welsh (Cymraeg)
For information about applying for a UKGI or protected status please contact [email protected]
