Pork pie gets European protection
The good name of Melton Mowbray pork pies is to be protected from lesser interlopers thanks to a 10-year campaign – by a vegetarian.
The European Commission decision to grant protected status means only pork pies made in and around their namesake town in Leicestershire are included.
Councillor Matthew O’Callaghan, chairman of the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association, said the campaign had increased the profile of the pies and seen sales rise.
He said: "It has been a long campaign and it has inspired others. The Melton Mowbray market is worth £50 million a year. That is a lot of pies."
The decision will now be published by the European Commission in its official journal and will then become law. A spokeswoman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: "We can confirm the Melton Mowbray pie has been awarded its Protected Geographical Indicator."
The MP for Rutland & Melton, Alan Duncan, said: "This is great news. Like Champagne, we are the real quality product. It’s great that we are now protected against inferior alternatives. We are the home of England’s best food, and recognition of this is very welcome."
Other foodstuffs that benefit from protected status include Newcastle Brown Ale, Scotch beef, Cumberland sausage and Jersey butter.
Copyright © PA Business 2008
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