The Scotch Whisky Association's move to protect Scotch as a geographical product is beginning to impact major Indian spirits companies. Jagatjit Industries, a substantial player in the Indian Made Foreign Liquor industry, is seen replacing Bonnie Scot, a leading whisky brands, as part of an out-of-court settlement with SWA, reports The Economic Times.

The compromise settlement could lead to Jagatjit withdrawing Bonnie Scot brand from the market by December 31, '06, and replacing it with 'Bonnie King', informed sources said. As part of the settlement, Jagatjit will also start depicting a Sikh gentleman instead of a Scotsman on the brand label. Bonnie Scot contributes 1.5 million cases to Jagatjit's annual sales of 6 million cases.

The Scotch Whisky Association has intensified its moves against "limitations of Scotch" in growth markets like India and has opposed registration of Indian liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya's flagship whisky brand McDowell's in overseas markets. Next in the line of fire is likely to be another popular IMFL brand, Peter Scot, which is produced by the House of Khodays.

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