First of its kind food & drink scheme launched in Northumberland to celebrate local produce and venues
A first-of-its-kind initiative has been launched in Northumberland to celebrate the county’s food and drink sector.
The Taste of Northumberland scheme has been launched by Visit Northumberland and Northumberland County Council.
The new initiative is the first of its kind in the UK and brings together a collection of bookable county-wide foodie experiences and tours, with a brand new quality mark that assures consumers of genuine ingredients, artisan skill and locally sourced products.
The food and drink sector in Northumberland generates half a billion pounds in economic value and supports over 46% of sector employment.
Close to 100 producers, retailers and hospitality businesses have come together to celebrate the quality, diversity and provenance of Northumberland’s food story.
The scheme champions the fantastic food and drink that is grown, made and served across the county.
Andrew Fox, Chair of Visit Northumberland said: “Taste of Northumberland is a celebration of authenticity and heritage that reassures customers of genuine local ingredients.
“We are thrilled to be launching it to consumers and to be welcoming a range of media to Northumberland to showcase the county's exceptional food offering, from behind-the-scenes tours of our producers to tastings and foodie-themed experiences.”
Some of the businesses that have already signed up to the programme include: Pine, First & Last Brewery, Buston Potatoes, The Orangery at The Tempus, Turnbull's Northumbrian Food, Running Fox, Blackfriars & Dobson & Parnell, Northumbrian Gifts, Triple A Food Tours and Ad Gefrin Anglo Saxon and Whisky Distillery.
Cllr Wendy Pattison added: “Northumberland has every reason to be proud of its food and drink – of the landscapes that shapes it, and of the people who grow, make and serve it with such care and skill.
“Taste of Northumberland brings that pride together for the first time, uniting our producers and hospitality businesses under a trusted mark that reflects the quality and authenticity of what our county does best.
“This exciting new scheme not only celebrates our rich food heritage, but strengthens local supply chains, supports jobs and invites residents and visitors alike to experience Northumberland through its exceptional local produce.”
For more information on the scheme and what it means for visitors, suppliers and producers, visit the Visit Northumberland website.