New tool launched for UK’s protected food and drink

Makers of geographically protected food and drink in the UK now have access to a new platform and network, designed to bring together makers and interested stakeholders.

The GI SMART - UK Platform, is managed by Dr Barbara Tocco of Newcastle University, who launched the network (which will share the latest insights, practical tips and market intelligence) yesterday, with the initiative connecting to a similar one in the EU, overseen by the Association of European Regions for Products of Origin (AREPO).

Dr Tocco, principal research associate at the university’s National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE), said, “This project presents us with a great opportunity to explore the real potential of UK GI schemes post-Brexit and their contribution in the delivery of more sustainable and healthy diets.” She continued that it would provide researchers with a better understanding of how GI schemes can contribute to sustainable development. “From research to innovation activities we’ll be working alongside GI producers and wider society to improve consumer perceptions and inform better design of policies for GIs.”

There are currently 99 geographically protected foods officially registered with Defra in the UK.

The register includes food products with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) or Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, as well as protected spirit drinks and wines. From Anglesey Sea Salt to Pembrokeshire Rock Oysters, and from the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie to Pembrokeshire Earlies and Single Malt Welsh Whisky, there is a wealth of fine and unique foods and drinks, produced across the UK, which enjoy the protected status.

These Geographical Indication (GI) schemes are a form of intellectual property which denote a clear connection to a place of origin (terroir), with distinctive quality specifications that preserve authenticity. Their importance is not limited to preventing knock-off product imitations or misuse of a name on the market to protect revenue streams. GI status can, though, raise a product’s awareness and prestige on national and overseas markets. They are an important part of the UK’s food heritage.

However, when compared with many other European countries, GIs in the UK appear less consequential, mostly because of lower levels of consumer awareness and understanding. This might seem puzzling considering the increasing importance to consumers of product authenticity, with storytelling often driving food and drink purchases – particularly in a speciality setting.

While the UK GI schemes can play a pivotal role for businesses and society at large, there remains considerable unrealised potential to champion UK culinary offerings in domestic and global markets, by improving their attractiveness to consumers, the GI SMART team say.

The project has been funded under Horizon Europe, and commissioned to strengthen the contributions GIs make, enhancing the design and implementation of the GI system in line with the objectives of the EU Farm to Fork Strategy. Part of the European Grean Deal, the strategy has been developed with the aim of making food systems fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly, by accelerating Europe’s transition towards a system that has a neutral or positive environmental impact, helps mitigate climate change, reverses loss of biodiversity, and ensures food security, nutrition and public health.

Producers of geographically protected food and drink, and other interested parties are now being invited to join the platform where they can engage and collaborate, access research on the sustainability of GI products, and share experiences at a national and EU level.