http://www.rfgyh.co.uk/news/ News from the Regional Food Group. en team@rfgyh.co.uk Copyright 2010 2010-03-09T13:21:22+00:00 http://www.rfgyh.co.uk/index.php/news/article/rfg-backs-yorkshire-pudding-campaign/ http://www.rfgyh.co.uk/index.php/news/article/rfg-backs-yorkshire-pudding-campaign/#When:15:44:11Z Research from the Regional Food Group for Yorkshire and Humber (RFG) reveals that Yorkshire Pudding may be eligible for EU Protected Food Name (PFN) status. RFG Research and Development Director Sarah Knapper says: “We recently confirmed that an 18th Century recipe exists which coins the term Yorkshire Pudding and links the product back to the region. We are investigating the eligibility of Yorkshire Pudding to apply for protected status, with support from the three main producers still operating in the region, the Real Yorkshire Pudding Company, Aunt Bessie’s and Greencore.” RFG is encouraging other eligible Yorkshire food producers to seek support and advice on applying. Sarah Knapper continues: “There is a growing enthusiasm amongst consumers for high quality, genuine, regional produce. The number of PFNs granted in the UK is greatly behind other EU countries, and not for lack of eligible entries, especially in Yorkshire. “We will continue to work with producers on submitting products to the PFN scheme, helping to put Yorkshire’s mark on the national and European food map.” RFG worked with Defra for six years to achieve Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status for Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb, which was granted last month. The product was chosen because of its heritage, the traditional methods used of handpicking the rhubarb by candlelight, and the significance of the Yorkshire Rhubarb Triangle between Wakefield, Leeds and Bradford. Several Yorkshire and Humber companies have already achieved the status, including Swaledale cheese, Grimsby Traditional Smoked Haddock, and Hawes-based The Wensleydale Creamery is currently in the application process. Any companies in Yorkshire and Humber which would like more advice and guidance regarding Protected Food Name status criteria and eligibility should contact the RFG on 01937 830354. Latest News 2010-03-08T15:44:11+00:00 http://www.rfgyh.co.uk/index.php/news/article/have-a-butchers-call-from-keelham-hall-farm-shop/ http://www.rfgyh.co.uk/index.php/news/article/have-a-butchers-call-from-keelham-hall-farm-shop/#When:12:21:22Z An open invitation has gone out to meat lovers across the region to ‘have a butcher’s’ – as Keelham Hall Farm Shop in Thornton, Bradford, this month celebrates both National Butchers Week and Bacon Connoisseurs Week in a fortnight-long feast. First up in the butchers department at the Brighouse & Denholme Road shop is National Butchers Week, which runs from Monday to Saturday, March 15-20. It encourages consumers to consider their local butcher as their first port of call for all their meat purchases and for their in-depth knowledge on everything from cooking times to menu suggestions. Free tastings will be on the menu throughout the week, including Keelham Hall Farm Shop’s award-winning traditional and speciality sausages. The promotion also sees the official launch of the shop’s new home-made black pudding, when feedback will be invited following customer samplings. Butcher’s shop manager Lee Scott will demonstrate the traditional art of sausage-making and will also head up regular ‘Ask the Butcher’ question and answer sessions for customers. Lee explained: “Our master butchers have over 200 years’ worth of experience between them and we are always keen to offer expert help and advice by answering any questions our patrons may have about meat – for example, how it is raised, how it is prepared, how to find exactly the right piece of meat, and how best to cook it.” Then, Keelham Hall Farm Shop will be bringing home the bacon for Bacon Connoiseurs Week. It takes place from Monday to Sunday, March 22-28, and provides butchers with an opportunity to showcase their products and inspire consumers to try the best of British bacon. Keelham Hall Farm Shop sources all its pork – 95% of it is free range – from pigs born and reared in Yorkshire. Free tastings, including the shop’s traditional home-cured bacon, are again promised. The business’s Victoria Robertshaw said: “We celebrated both events for the first time in 2009 and they proved so popular that we’ve made them bigger and better this year. These days, customers want to know where the meat they eat comes from – and we source it all locally from almost 80 farmers across the region. “At the same, people demand both quality and value for money. They deserve it and we always try to provide it.” Latest News 2010-03-09T12:21:22+00:00 http://www.rfgyh.co.uk/index.php/news/article/regional-food-group-brings-a-taste-of-yorkshire/ http://www.rfgyh.co.uk/index.php/news/article/regional-food-group-brings-a-taste-of-yorkshire/#When:11:23:39Z STAND: ‘DELICIOUSLYORKSHIRE’ HALL 4/STAND P160 The Regional Food Group for Yorkshire and Humber (RFG) will be showcasing sixteen producers under deliciouslyorkshire branding at the Food & Drink Expo 2010 (21-24 March 2010), at the NEC Birmingham. Food & Drink Expo is the UK’s largest food and drink trade exhibition, bringing together all sectors of the industry, including retail, foodservice, wholesale and manufacturing. Buyers and suppliers have the chance to negotiate and network face to face over the four days. RFG Chief Executive Jonathan Knight comments: “The Food & Drink Expo caters for all sectors of the food and drink industry, reflecting the diverse membership of RFG and Yorkshire’s rich food and drink industry. We hope our presence will help to provide new routes to market for our producers and promote the significance of locally sourced food.” The Regional Food Group will be exhibiting in the regional and speciality area, along with a selection of their members, several of which will be bringing some exciting new products to the exhibition, including; Yorvale ice cream will be exhibiting some exciting new flavours including Blueberry, Red Cherry Swirl and Rhubarb. The Yorvale team will also be on hand to showcase its new freezer deal packages and some of its new marketing tools. Whitby Seafoods, the UK’s largest scampi manufacturer, has recently been working with the Marine Conservation Society to ensure consumers are able to make a more informed choice regarding seafood sustainability. Yorkshire Game will be exhibiting its oven-ready Grouse, for which it won a Taste of Britain 2007 award, and its highest selling line over the past two years: ‘Easycarve’ Pheasant with succulent Pork and Apple stuffing. Thorncroft will be exhibiting its range of natural cordials and ready to serve sparking drinks. Its ‘Healthy Thirst’ and ‘Free From’ ranges include flavours Cranberry & Hibiscus, Pink Ginger, Ginko Green Tea, and new for 2010, Cherry. Ulrick & Short Ltd, one of the leading developers, suppliers and manufacturers of clean label ingredients, will be celebrating its 10th anniversary and showcasing its renowned clean label range. The well-established company will be holding a series of cookery demonstrations on its stand, presented by Ulrick & Short’s in-house chef, to highlight the versatility and quality of its ingredients. Zeina Foods, the most innovative supplier in the specialty nuts and dried fruits market, will be launching a range of Syrian pastries and filled dates. The company will be demonstrating its new product on stand P170 on Tuesday 23rd March, 11am. Other Regional Food Group attendees include: Bare Earth, a producer of South African meat products based in Yorkshire, made using traditional recipes. It’s Nut Free, a cakes, biscuits and desserts manufacturer, suitable for nut allergy sufferers. JCS Fish Ltd, a leading seafood company specialising in salmon, combining years of experience in the fish industry. Lauden Chocolates, an award-winning chocolatier with its handmade, visually beautiful chocolates. Pick Fisk, a supplier of custom-made Salmon and Whitefish products. Pipers Crisps, which uses locally grown potatoes and natural flavours. Real Yorkshire Food. The Wensleydale Creamery, the only makers of real Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese in the world. The Yorkshire Provender, a soup manufacturer who uses fresh, regional produce and works with seasonal ranges. The Food & Drink Expo also benefits from being co-located with four other leading trade shows – Foodex, Baking Industry Exhibition, Convenience Retailing Show and International Forecourt and Fuel Equipment Show. Exhibitor contact details: Bare Earth Ltd Thomo Leteane, 01765 641824, info@bare-earth.co.uk Grandma Wilds John Bateman, 01535 650501, john@grandma-wilds.co.uk It’s Nut Free Angela Russell, 01609 775660, angela.russell@itsnutfree.com JCS Fish Ltd John Grey, 01472 355 217, johngrey@jcsfish.co.uk Lauden Chocolates Stephen Trigg, 0113 2440289, stephen.trigg@laudenchocolate.com Pick Fisk Chris Pick, 0113 2638972, chris.pick@pickfisk.co.uk Pipers Crisps Alex Albone, 01652 686968, alex@piperscrisps.com Real Yorkshire Food Martin Bennett, 01482 337990, martinbennett@elvingtonfoodgroup.co.uk The Wensleydale Creamery Kate Allison, 01969 667664, kate.allison@wensleydale.co.uk The Yorkshire Provender Terry Williams, 01765 641920, info@theyorkshireprovender.co.uk Thorncroft Michael Haigh, 01642 79192, michael@thorncroftdrinks.co.uk Ulrick & Short Andrew Ulrick, 01977 620011, adrian@ulrickandshort.com Whitby Seafood Sarah Cox, 01947 829 029, sarah.cox@whitby-seafoods.com Yorkshire Game Richard Kemp, 01748 810 212, r.kemp@yorkshiregame.co.uk Yorvale Lesley Buxton, 01904 706702, icecream@yorvale.co.uk Zeina Foods Martin Savage, 01924 280180, martin@zeinafoods.com 2010-03-09T11:23:39+00:00 http://www.rfgyh.co.uk/index.php/news/article/3-million-yorkshire-investment-food-enterprise-centre-helps-entrepreneurs/ http://www.rfgyh.co.uk/index.php/news/article/3-million-yorkshire-investment-food-enterprise-centre-helps-entrepreneurs/#When:08:00:28Z The Rt Hon. William Hague, MP for Richmond Yorkshire and Shadow foreign secretary has launched a £3 million pound Food Enterprise Centre ensuring the region’s food sector remains firmly on the map. Acting as an incubator for up and coming food entrepreneurs, Leeming Bar Food Enterprise Centre will provide fledgling businesses with food grade space together with an on-site management suite that offers meeting room facilities and access to expert knowledge every step of the way. Leeming Bar is an excellent location for innovative food businesses, located directly adjacent to the A1(M) the site has excellent distribution links to the rest of the UK. Hambleton District Council has a key focus on regeneration and skills development and had made significant investments in the region to help businesses flourish. Councillor Tony Hall, Cabinet Member for Prosperity at Hambleton District Council said: “We were able to secure funding from Yorkshire Forward and the European Regional Development Fund to develop this concept and several small businesses are already in the process of signing up. “The Food Enterprise Centre removes some of the significant cost barriers faced by new food businesses and gives them the opportunity to move into purpose built accommodation, to share costs and experiences with other similar businesses and to make the most of prime market opportunities across Yorkshire and beyond.” “The start of this project marks the district’s commitment to supporting those regional food and drink producers that want to strengthen and expand. Food and drinks businesses are extremely important to the local economy and this importance will be boosted by the provision of what is a first class facility.” Tom Riordan, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Forward; “These purpose built premises will help food entrepreneurs to establish their businesses by offering just the sort of facilities they need. By investing our own and European money in the provision of such facilities in the Hambleton District, Yorkshire Forward is encouraging business growth and enterprise in the area.” The Regional Food Group was consulted on the design of the food production units to BRC standards and Leeming Bar will be managed by RFG members Gary Quinn and Thomo Leteane, food entrepreneurs themselves, with a wealth of experience in food manufacturing. “Setting up a food business is one of the hardest things to do as there’s so much to consider. We want our businesses to get the right food product to the right target market as quickly as possible. Having a managed workspace were people can advice you on anything from manufacturing issues, to labelling laws and nutritional analysis is invaluable to small businesses. Leeming Bar is all about taking away some of the stumbling blocks that get in the way of food innovation in our area,” says Quinn. The project, based on the Leeming Bar Business Park near Northallerton, has received significant funding from Yorkshire Forward, the European Regional Development Fund and Hambleton District Council part of wider project in the area, which includes the new Evolution Business Centre in Northallerton. The Food Enterprise Centre offers 11 competitively priced food grade units for companies that meet qualifying criteria. The Centre also aims to attract food businesses from outside the park to use its resources and meeting space, in order to strengthen the food community in Yorkshire. Food entrepreneurs who are interested in Leeming Bar should contact the Centre Manager Gary Quinn on 01677 425264 Their website is coming soon to this address: http://www.leemingfoodcentre.co.uk Latest News 2010-03-08T08:00:28+00:00 http://www.rfgyh.co.uk/index.php/news/article/bleikers-at-the-malt-shovel-wins-award-for-exceptional-food/ http://www.rfgyh.co.uk/index.php/news/article/bleikers-at-the-malt-shovel-wins-award-for-exceptional-food/#When:11:36:35Z Bleikers at the Malt Shovel has been awarded an A (for exceptional food) with two stars (particularly atmospheric) by the Hardens Good Food Guide – making them equal first with five other establishments in the whole country, within its category, and the only one with the highest rating in the north. 2010-03-05T11:36:35+00:00 http://www.rfgyh.co.uk/index.php/news/article/tasting-event-with-thirteenth-generation-winemaker-etienne-hugel/ http://www.rfgyh.co.uk/index.php/news/article/tasting-event-with-thirteenth-generation-winemaker-etienne-hugel/#When:09:38:43Z Noted Alsatian winemaker Etienne Hugel is special guest at fine food and wine store Lewis & Cooper next week. M Hugel, who represents the 13th generation of his winemaking family, will lead a tutored tasting at L&C’s store in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, on Wednesday, March 10 at 7.30pm. Tickets, available from 01609 766702, are £15. 2010-03-05T09:38:43+00:00 http://www.rfgyh.co.uk/index.php/news/article/rfg-helps-yorkshire-rhubarb-stake-its-claim-and-urges-other-producers-to-fo/ http://www.rfgyh.co.uk/index.php/news/article/rfg-helps-yorkshire-rhubarb-stake-its-claim-and-urges-other-producers-to-fo/#When:08:37:54Z Six years ago, RFG was tasked by Yorkshire Forward to find products which had the potential to achieve Protected Food Name status. Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb was chosen because of its heritage, the traditional methods used of handpicking the rhubarb by candlelight, and the significance of the Yorkshire Rhubarb Triangle between Wakefield, Leeds and Bradford. Under the legislation, Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb will be given legal protection on its geographical recipe, highlighted to the consumer with an on product logo. RFG Chief Executive Jonathan Knight says: “This is a great achievement for the region. Patience, persistence, meetings with the twelve key growers and a lot of effort on all parts has culminated in this fantastic result, which will help to confirm the unique Yorkshire Rhubarb Triangle as the home of Forced Rhubarb. “We will continue to work with producers on submitting products to the PFN scheme, helping to put Yorkshire’s mark on the national and European food map.” RFG has worked closely with rhubarb grower Janet Oldroyd of E.Oldroyd’s & Sons over several years. Janet says: “There were once 200 Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb growers and now there are 11. Achieving this status will help to avoid imitation of the product, safeguarding rhubarb production in the area and hopefully encouraging consumers to buy more locally produced rhubarb.” Jonathan Knight continues: “There is a growing enthusiasm amongst consumers for high quality, genuine, regional produce. The number of PFNs granted in the UK is greatly behind other EU countries, and not for lack of eligible entries, especially in Yorkshire. “We are currently researching products which could fit the criteria, and have recently investigated the origins of the Yorkshire Pudding in the special collections of the University of Leeds library. We are encouraging other eligible food producers to seek support.” Several Yorkshire and Humber companies have already achieved the status, including Swaledale cheese, Grimsby Traditional Smoked Haddock, and Hawes-based The Wensleydale Creamery is currently in the application process for its Real Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese, which derives its distinct flavour and texture from a specific cheesemaking process and local ingredients. Any companies in Yorkshire and Humber which would like more advice and guidance regarding Protected Food Name status criteria and eligibility should contact Regional Food Group on 01937 830354. Latest News 2010-02-26T08:37:54+00:00 http://www.rfgyh.co.uk/index.php/news/article/launch-of-new-website-at-dalesman/ http://www.rfgyh.co.uk/index.php/news/article/launch-of-new-website-at-dalesman/#When:15:09:01Z Seasonings manufacturer “Dalesman”, based in Bradford, have given the website a complete design and layout revamp. It features informative new content, along with enhanced, streamlined navigation and usability. As well as showcasing the extensive range of products available from Dalesman, the website offers “Quidcalc/Costcal”, the quick, easy and completely FREE meat content and cost calculator for butchers and bakers. The site also features company and industry news, the ability to download recipe applications and counter tickets, and request samples.  It will profile, in detail, any new product launches such as the new Premium Range of Glazes and the World Cup Range of sausage mixes, burger mixes and meat glazes. Dalesman will also provide a new range of flyers, posters and point of sale solutions in line with the fresh new image. Visit their new website here: www.thedalesmangroup.co.uk Latest News 2010-02-25T15:09:01+00:00 http://www.rfgyh.co.uk/index.php/news/article/rfg-set-to-inject-millions-into-region-with-uks-most-successful-meet-the-bu/ http://www.rfgyh.co.uk/index.php/news/article/rfg-set-to-inject-millions-into-region-with-uks-most-successful-meet-the-bu/#When:14:55:35Z The event attracts hundreds of companies nationwide, instigating millions of pounds worth of new business every year. In total, over the past three years the event has generated business into double figures. Producers are given the opportunity to showcase their products in front of influential buyers from national supermarkets, food service and contract caterers, large hospitality providers and public sector and independent stores. RFG Chief Executive Jonathan Knight says: “We make sure that we invite a wide range of suppliers and buyers, to ensure that a variety of products and sectors are catered for. This is how we have managed to make this event the most successful and biggest Meet the Buyer in the country. “Attendees tell us that the event saves them time and effort, and can mean that a week’s worth of work is done in one day. A new contract can be a significant boost to a company, sometimes helping to safeguard and create jobs.” Last year, Boroughbridge-based Paynes Dairies, one of the largest independent dairies in the UK, signed a £500,000 contract to supply the Proudfoot Group with fresh milk. Family-run Taste Tradition in Thirsk also benefited from the event, securing £50,000 worth of new business, and Wakefield-base rhubarb producer E. Oldroyds won £20,000 worth of business with the Proudfoot Group. If you are a food producer looking to meet nationwide, high-profile buyers, or a buyer looking to source quality Yorkshire and Humber regional food, please visit the National Meet the Buyer pages or contact Melanie Whitehead on 01937 830 354 or mel.whitehead@regionalfoodgroup.co.uk. Latest News 2010-02-25T14:55:35+00:00 http://www.rfgyh.co.uk/index.php/news/article/y-10-is-here/ http://www.rfgyh.co.uk/index.php/news/article/y-10-is-here/#When:09:32:49Z On Monday 22nd March 2010 Welcome to Yorkshire will be hosting the biggest tourism event in the region, Y 10, and we would like you to join us. The event is free to attend and will begin with registration from 10am followed by the conference at 11am and a networking lunch for all delegates until 2.30pm. Don’t miss out on the most important tourism event in the region! Register before the 1st March. For more information about the event please visit their website: www.yorkshire.com We look forward to seeing you there. Latest News 2010-02-10T09:32:49+00:00