After Made in Gloucestershire launched in July 2022, it has now reached the 50-member milestone.
The initiative, which is designed to showcase and champion Gloucestershire-based food and drink producers, has got off to a flying start over the first two months, with prominent local businesses including Wolfys porridge; Truffle Hunter; Todenham Manor Farm; The BBQ Society; The Vanilla Pod Bakery; The Boutique Distillery; Simon Weaver Organic; Twisting Spirits; and Ethical Addictions Coffee Roasters all signing up.
The scheme aims to connect locals, tourists, chefs and businesses with the outstanding food and drink producers that call the county home, helping to facilitate local procurement.
Samantha Monoyou, founder of The Sugar Rose Kitchen, said: 'I was really excited to see Made in Gloucestershire launch and jumped at the chance to join as one of their first members. The proof is quite literally ‘in the pudding’ as I have already received a large corporate order through Made in Gloucestershire from Target PR.
'From helping businesses to buy from each other to supporting residents to shop smarter through buying local, Made in Gloucestershire is the perfect one-stop-shop to discover something new. There are so many small local producers in Gloucestershire so to be recognised by a scheme like this is really important. There are tough times ahead for many businesses but by supporting local and buying from small independents, we can all make a difference.'
Dev Chakraborty, deputy chief executive of GFirst LEP, which spearheads the initiative, added: 'There is so much to celebrate about our county and our world-class food and drink scene is a jewel in Gloucestershire’s crown.
'Already through Made in Gloucestershire I have discovered new businesses I hadn’t heard of before, like Cherry Moo Ice Cream who are based just around the corner from where I live! That’s the whole point of Made in Gloucestershire; to help everyone find a local business they’ll love. Through buying and supporting local, we can help Gloucestershire’s economy to thrive.'
It's always on the lookout for new Gloucestershire-based businesses to join - and with Made in Gloucestershire being fully funded until Saturday 31 August 2024, businesses which sign up now can become members for free.
While foodies keen to support local can use Made in Gloucestershire's handy online directory to find local food and drink producers, restaurants, pubs, farm shops, cafés and caterers who have signed up to the scheme.
For more information, or to become a member of Made in Gloucestershire, visit madeingloucestershire.com/become-a-member.
