Swindon & Wiltshire News
Accreditation scheme for Wiltshire food and drink produce launched
A new accreditation scheme for food and drink products made in Wiltshire has been launched.
The Wiltshire Marque has been launched to highlight the abundance of outstanding food- and drink-related businesses found throughout the county.
The scheme is open to businesses that pride themselves on growing produce, making their products, or sourcing the majority of their ingredients within the county, including artisan food producers, manufacturers, distilleries, breweries and local farms.
Restaurants, pubs, hotels and farm shops can also apply to use the marque, which already has more than 30 registered users.
At the core of the scheme is a searchable directory, which allows consumers to discover the diversity of Wiltshire’s food and drink sector.
The site also features a wholesale function for local hotels, restaurants and other interested businesses to find local food and drink suppliers so they can integrate more Wiltshire produce into their offerings.
The scheme was launched at Pythouse Kitchen Garden in Tisbury, near Salisbury on October 16, with a variety of businesses from dairies and goat meat producers, to chocolatiers and cheese mongers.
Launching the scheme, Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “The Wiltshire Marque is a vital initiative for our local food and drink sector.
“Already bringing together 30 businesses, and counting, it will help to create new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
“The online portal will be particularly valuable in connecting producers, buyers and consumers, ensuring Wiltshire products are recognised, desired and sourced within the county and beyond.”
Holly Garner, founder of Devizes-based Hollychocs, is one of the businesses that has been accepted onto the scheme.
“Wiltshire has been a fantastic base for Hollychocs, and The Wiltshire Marque gives us even more exposure to local customers and opportunities to collaborate with other businesses in the food and drink community,” said Holly.
“The online portal and the connections we will have access to will be invaluable in helping us grow. I look forward to seeing how the scheme develops.”
The Wiltshire Marque is funded by the Wiltshire Towns Programme, which is delivering £4 million of support to the county’s high streets and local businesses from 2021 to 2025.
Pictured: Darren Broom and his team from Pythouse Kitchen Garden, near Tisbury
