A new logo and appeal representing the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA) is on display. The organization is looking to push forward new concepts amid stagnant Japanese whisky sales worldwide.
In February 2021, Japanese distilleries and the government founded the JSLMA to oversee whisky regulations and standards. Since then, the institution has paved the way for the eminence of Japanese whisky both at home and abroad.
The new logo is relevant to the regulator’s new push to build global awareness of Japanese whisky and reduce confusion among enthusiasts. This also obligates Japanese whisky brands to add the logo to their bottles. The move will also affect receipts, shipment boxes, and online publications.
Japanese Whisky Bottles to Port New Logo
However, not all distilleries are happy with the costs involved in adopting the new logo. The JSLMA will now be forced to enter this into a legal, binding document. This move will last a while in its implementation phase.
The GI ACT ensures protection for “products which are high quality and have obtained reputation as a result of unique production methods and natural characteristics of the production area”. This may open up challenges from large producers such as SUntory, may find resources for delays.
However, the blade cuts both ways. One side exceeds copyright protection, and the other implements costly new logos.
Masaki’ Mory’ Morimoto, president of whisky producer The House of Suntory, sees the JSLMA’s efforts as essential to enhancing the worldwide reputation of Japanese whisky.
“We are proud to announce that The House of Suntory will gradually be incorporating the JSLMA logo into our authentic Japanese whiskies in our key markets as early as end of this year. The JSLMA logo is a significant milestone for improving transparency and we welcome their efforts to continue to protect the incredible reputation of Japanese Whisky around the world.”
