Wiltshire Marque set to put county’s food and drink on the map

The Wiltshire Marque, a new accreditation scheme that will celebrate and showcase food and drink made in the county, is set to launch this September.

The initiative aims to highlight the many outstanding food- and drink-related businesses found throughout Wiltshire, giving them greater exposure and fostering county-wide collaboration.

Organisers say it will bring together businesses that pride themselves on growing produce, making their products, or sourcing the majority of their ingredients within the county, including artisan food producers, manufacturers, distilleries, breweries and local farms.

Businesses in the county that stock, celebrate and make use of Wiltshire-made products, including restaurants, pubs, hotels and farm shops, will also qualify for the scheme.

These businesses will be able to add the Wiltshire Marque logo to their packaging to promote the provenance of their products, as well as use it as part of their marketing.

Participants in the scheme will be showcased on a searchable online directory that members of the public and businesses can access for free, which will include news and updates from the initiative’s members, interviews with local businesses, and foodie event listings.

It will also allow businesses to identify which members of the scheme sell on a wholesale basis, encouraging them to source ingredients locally.

“The Wiltshire Marque is more than just an accreditation,” said Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council and cabinet member for economic development.

“It’s a commitment to quality, sustainability, and community.

“We’re excited to see how the Wiltshire Marque will not only support the county’s food and drink sector, but also offer those businesses a platform on which to shine, on both a regional and national stage.”

Scheme members will also benefit from wider marketing initiatives run by the Wiltshire Marque organisers, as well as networking and collaboration opportunities with other local businesses and access to expert advice and guidance.

Membership will be fully funded for the first 12 months of the scheme.

“We’re eager to see what opportunities the Wiltshire Marque will bring to the county’s producers,” said Louisa Parry, co-founder of Stable & Wick Bakery and Farm Shop.

“Having our own accreditation scheme will help elevate the products we stock and show that they are amongst the best in the region.”

While the scheme will officially kick off in late September, organisers are calling on all interested local companies to register their interest by Thursday 15 August to benefit from marketing activity around the launch.

Those interested can submit their details online via wiltshiremarque.co.uk