The decision by EU authorities to grant Somerset Cider Brandy a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) has been hailed a victory for producers, the WSTA and the Government's Department for Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Agriculture Minister James Paice MP said: “This decision will protect the long term future of an industry that already contributes more than £4 million to Somerset's economy, and will preserve the local landscape and way of life.”

According to a statement from the WSTA, Somerset Cider Brandy had been under threat, having been omitted from an approved product list by officials in Brussels and there was pressure from some in Europe to restrict the term brandy to products derived from grapes.