Laois TASTE Provenance Scheme

The Laois TASTE Provenance Scheme certifies Laois food producers and service & retail sector businesses that sell Laois made produce. The Laois TASTE Brand is a mark of origin and allows consumers to identify food which is produced in Laois or businesses which sell Laois made produce.

Embracing the Laois TASTE Provenance Scheme is an opportunity for your business to benefit from the growing trends of consumers looking for and spending more on locally sourced food and could:

• Increase visitor spend
• Attract more customers
• Increase satisfaction
• Create a platform for producers and providers to work together
• Raise the profile of your locality
• Bring increased business to your area
• Benefit the local economy

 To become a member of the Laois TASTE Provenance Scheme a retailer/food service operator is  encouraged to become  a member of Laois TASTE. Membership of Laois TASTE will afford your business:

• Networking opportunities - free networking opportunities and events. Meet with, and learn from, others in your same area of business.
• Training - free seminars, tailored training and business development events.
• Sales - increased sales opportunities through exposure to potential new customers and export opportunities.
• Group marketing - we will endeavour to take a collective approach to marketing which will save you time and money.
• Regional branding - members will be invited to participate in regional and national food events under the Laois TASTE  brand.
• Have a say - getting involved means you can help to shape the future development of your local food sector.

How will the Laois TASTE Provenance Scheme work for your business?

• Connect approved members with a consumer audience, who share a passion for Laois food, and who respect the importance of this sector to Laois’  future economic potential.
• Link your business to food connections in restaurants, retail and food service operators.
• Members will be listed in Laois Food Directory as well as being included on Laois Food Map 
• Use of Laois TASTE Brand
• Members will also be entitled to subsidised participation in activities including mentoring, training, networking events, marketing programmes, showcase events etc.
• Provide access to funding information and advice
• Provide new opportunities to increase your markets and market share through the network, its contacts and actions.

Criteria for Retailers/Food Service Operators

• Retailers and Food Service Operators applying to use the Laois TASTE brand must offer their local producers from the county the benefit of being used as ingredients, on menus, on shelf etc.
• Retailers or Food Service Operators applying to use the Laois TASTE brand must be able to offer the details of at least 3 local producers which they source from. Details of Laois sources must be submitted at time of application, giving names and contact details. Please note only producers that are members of Laois TASTE will qualify.
• Restaurants and hotels using the Laois TASTE brand must adhere to the following criteria:

–        Locally sourced product should be used where available e.g. potatoes, beef etc.

–        Producer/grower names must be detailed & highlighted on menus.

–        Copies of menus and/or sourcing statements should be submitted with application.   These documents will be assessed and the establishment will be contacted should any additional information be required. In particular, evidence of origin/source information or any other information identifying support of local suppliers.

–        Annual Fee of €20 must be paid to Laois TASTE  in advance of  using the brand if approval is granted

Terms of Use:

–        Overall responsibility for the management, oversight and operation of the Laois TASTE Brand will remain with the Local Enterprise Office, Laois County Council.

–        All applicants must complete an application form. A Laois TASTE brand approval sub-committee will assess  all applications and will act as a judicator where any question of withdrawing the brand arises

–        The applicants will be responsible for any costs incurred through disposal of marketing collateral if permission to use the Laois Taste Brand is withdrawn.

–        Each permission to use the brand will be valid for 12 months from the date of issue once the minimum criteria are met.

–        An annual fee of €20 will be required to use the brand.

–        Approval to use the Laois TASTE brand will entitle all subscribers to participate in the subsidised activities through LEO, including mentoring, training and networking events, etc.

–        In order to maintain the credibility and reputation of the Laois Taste brand, permission to use the brand will be awarded only following a complete assessment of the applicant‘s application and approval.  The sub-committee reserves the right to refuse any application without assigning any reason for its decision.

–        As a member you may  be open to being randomly selected and audited against the criteria.

Click here to access application form for retailers/food service businesses