UK drinks apply for European status

Four styles of British alcohol are hoping to gain European recognition with protected name status.

Applications for protected status have been made on behalf of Welsh cider, Welsh perry and Yorkshire beer.

There is also a non-regional application for cask-conditioned ale to be recognised by the system, which already accords protection to Stilton cheese and Melton Mowbray pies.

All four products are in the “initial assessment” phase. This is followed by wider UK consultation, during which time objections will be considered before the European Commission makes a decision on whether to award protected name status.