UK producers of protected foods and drink names – from the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie, to Pembrokeshire Rock Oysters and Scotch Whisky – are invited to sign up to a new online platform, launching in June 2025.
The GI SMART Community platform has been created as part of a Horizon Europe-funded project, GI SMART. Open to all UK producers and trade groups, consumer organisations, control bodies, policy-makers, researchers and other interested stakeholders, the national platform also connects with an EU one, managed by the Association of European Regions for Products of Origin (AREPO).
The platform will offer:
- Access to an exclusive network of experts and peers
- Cutting-edge research on GI sustainability and consumer behaviour
- Tailored tools, resources and best practice examples to support sustainable GI practices
- Opportunities to collaborate and help shape policies at national/ EU level
Currently there are 99 UK protected food and drink names officially registered under Geographical Indication (GI) schemes. UK Government registers held by DEFRA include food products with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) or Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, as well as protected spirit drinks and wines.
GI status can raise the awareness and prestige on national and overseas markets of these fine and unique products, which are an important part of the UK’s food heritage. Yet levels of consumer awareness and understanding of GI labels in the UK are lower than in other European countries, despite the increasing importance of provenance and sustainability in driving consumers’ food and drink purchases.
Barbara Tocco, Principal Research Associate at the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) at Newcastle University, who manages the UK platform said:
“This project presents us with a great opportunity to explore the real potential of UK GI schemes post-Brexit and the pivotal role they can play for businesses and society at large - including their contribution to sustainable development.
From research to innovation activities, we’ll be working alongside GI producers and wider society to improve consumer perceptions and inform better design of policies for GIs.”
The national community platform will launch online on 11th June 2025 at 2pm in the UK.