New faces making their ‘Marque’

July 16, 2012 - PRLog -- The New Forest Marque is going from strength to strength and now has 128 members. Its aim is to help local producers and farmers promote their craft and produce under the distinctive banner of the New Forest Marque. It is the only scheme of its kind in the country and ensures that stringent standards have been adhered to.
Sarah Hunt, New Forest Marque Manager, said: ‘This scheme is so important to local producers. The Marque helps shoppers identify quality New Forest produce, it lowers food miles and reduces the environmental impact of transporting food long distances and it also helps support the New Forest’s local economy by supporting local businesses and employment.
‘You can buy Marque produce all over the Forest - in local shops, neighbourhood stores, farm shops, farmers’ markets, pubs, restaurants, cafes and hotels - just look for the logo.’
Paul Black from the Real Jam and Chutney Company Ltd who has recently joined the Marque, said: ‘We are pleased to be a member of the New Forest Marque and are looking forward to growing with it. We think that it’s very important for local businesses to support each other and to show the wealth this area has to offer.
‘We use New Forest Marque produce wherever possible and are currently using strawberries from New Forest Fruit, root vegetables from Sunnyfields and soft fruits and rhubarb from Dan Tanner at Sopley.’                                                                              
The latest businesses to join the New Forest Marque:
Cobley Wood Farm, Ringwood - free range pork, lamb and bronze turkeys
Granary Kitchen, Everton - cookery school and private dining
Logs R Us, Lymington - high quality dry oak logs for open fires or wood burners
New Forest Aromatics - candles, room fragrances, lip balms and reed diffusers
New Forest Bellows, Lyndhurst - makers of fireside bellows
Old Farmhouse restaurant and tea rooms , Burley - open every day for breakfast, coffee, lunch and cream teas
Parkside Produce, Fordingbridge - an artisan producer of home-made seasonal preserves
Real Jam and Chutney Company Ltd, Southampton - local produce jam
Ringwood Brewery, Ringwood - Hampshire based brewer of quality cask ales
Spout House Cakes, Boldre - specialising in rich brandy based fruit cake, rocky road and simnel cakes
The Bay Tree bed and breakfast - Milford on Sea
The Drift Inn, Beaulieu - Local ales, good food, cosy fires and a large garden
The Filly Inn, Brockenhurst - freshly cooked food from local, seasonal produce and accommodation

Enjoy local New Forest Marque produce and craft in the Local Food and Farming area at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show from 24-26 July.

For more information about the New Forest Marque and to download a copy of the directory visit http://www.newforestproduce.co.uk.
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Notes to Editors: The Marque® – a sign of quality.

A product is only licensed to use the Marque® if:

it contains at least 25 per cent New Forest produce
it has met stringent standards according to its particular speciality (for example, meat producers must show that high standards of welfare and good husbandry have been applied at all times).

Managed by the New Forest National Park Authority the award scheme was created by New Forest Produce Limited to:

give businesses a distinctive 'New Forest' banner under which to sell their goods and services and help customers identify quality New Forest produce
encourage people to ‘buy local’ and reduce the environmental impact of  transporting food long distances
help sustain the New Forest’s local economy by supporting local businesses and employment.

For more information on the New Forest Marque and who is part of the Marque visit http://www.newforestproduce.co.uk.

About the New Forest National Park Authority
Protect - Enjoy - Prosper
The New Forest National Park Authority’s statutory purposes are to:
Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park - Protect
Promote opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities – Enjoy.

We also have a duty to:
Seek to foster the social and economic well-being of local communities within the Park – Prosper.

The New Forest National Park was designated in March 2005. Its unique landscape has been shaped over the centuries by grazing ponies, cattle and pigs which roam free. Majestic woodlands, rare heathland and a spectacular coastline provide fabulous opportunities for quiet recreation, enjoyment and discovery.
Visit http://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk to find out more.

Media Contacts:
Karen Evans-McDaid, Communications Officer, New Forest National Park Authority
Tel: 01590 646650
Email: karen.evans-mcdaid@newforestnpa.gov.uk