Whisky producers scotch local rivals in Panama

Authorities in Panama have granted an application by the Scotch Whisky Association, made in May 2010, for "Scotch Whisky" to be registered and protected as a "geographical indication of origin".

The Association said it would offer consumers better protection from imitations of the drink. The deal follows a similar agreement reached with China earlier this month.

Gavin Hewitt, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, said: "It is important consumers around the world can have confidence in the quality and integrity of what they are buying."

Panama is Scotch whisky's 20th largest export market, with shipments reaching 42m in customs value in 2009.

Export value is now 2.5 times greater than a decade ago – it was 16m in 2000.