Influential business group GFirst LEP is launching a brand-new initiative – Made in Gloucestershire – to champion Gloucestershire’s food and drink producers.
Inspired by the county’s long-held tradition of making things by hand, the initiative is set to champion the food and drink producers who ‘put their heart into everything that’s made in the county’.
The Made in Gloucestershire website officially went live on Monday 4 July 2022, with local businesses being encouraged to become members.
Food and drink producers who have a registered business postcode in Gloucestershire and whose final products are made in Gloucestershire can register online now, with all members registering before Wednesday 31 August 2022 receiving their first two years’ membership for free.
Members will be able to display the Made in Gloucestershire logo on their products and website, as well as receiving a directory listing on the Made in Gloucestershire website with links to their own website and social media.
CEO of GFirst LEP, David Owen, said: ‘From globally recognised brands like Wall’s Ice Cream and Ribena to fast-growing start-ups like Tubby Tom’s and Non Solo Pasta, we want to show local people, visitors and the world everything that’s great about food and drink in Gloucestershire.
‘Through the Made in Gloucestershire initiative, we want to champion our producers, increase local procurement, and encourage residents and tourists to buy local.
‘When customers see the Made in Gloucestershire mark, they know that they’re supporting our diverse, world-leading community of producers and helping to put money back in the local economy, securing jobs and income.’
Tom Hughes, Founder of Tubby Tom’s, added: ‘We’ve always had amazing support from local people ever since we first started to now. To me, Made in Gloucestershire means home. It also means opportunities. We have so many hidden gems here, whether that’s events, street food, artisan makers or small businesses. The Made in Gloucestershire website means you can find all these incredible businesses in one place and support them.’
Made in Gloucestershire is spearheaded by GFirst LEP, in partnership with leading county organisations including Visit Gloucestershire, The Growth Hub, Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucestershire Food and Farming Partnership, Gloucester Services, Hartpury University and Cotswold Taste, as well as national organisations the Co-op, the Federation of Small Businesses and the National Farmers’ Union.
For more information, or to register as a member, visit madeingloucestershire.com.
