30th Jul 2010 - 00:00
Abstract
A professionally graded accreditation scheme for food and drink related businesses has been launched by Taste of Staffordshire and has received backing by the partnership's new patron, Sarah Willingham of BBC television's The Restaurant.
Designed to be "the foremost mark of taste and quality for food and drink in the county", the initiative aims to drive more business to local retailers, eating out places, and food and drink producers. And the scheme promises its members benefits for their businesses once they have successfully achieved the mark, from free listings in the Taste of Staffordshire magazine and advertising and promotional support to business advice and their profile on Taste of Staffordshire websites and a Members' Dashboard. There will also be access to inspector reports and exclusive, confidential benchmarking data. Where applicable, accredited businesses will also receive free entry into the nationally acclaimed Taste of Staffordshire Good Food Awards. The cost of membership starts at £100 a year and is open to applicants located within Staffordshire. They must also have a minimum three star environmental health assessment and comply with all current health and safety legislation. A commitment to quality and local product sourcing is also said to be essential. Potential members will be professionally inspected and each application will be judged for quality of product and service. Taste of Staffordshire's patron, Sarah Willingham, said: "It is vital we identify and reward those with a passion for quality cuisine. This mark should be an essential part of food and drink businesses' marketing plan and will help provide consumers with an identifiable quality standard." For more details and an application form call 01889 880151.
Category