The Cornish Pasty Association (CPA) has reached its 50th member with the addition of two traditional Cornish bakeries. Nile’s Bakery from St Austell and Purdys Bakery from Liskeard now join the other 48 members following a successful year for the Association to protect the quality and reputation of the Cornish pasty.

The CPA launched an appeal earlier this year to encourage more members to join the Association and support the bid to protect the Cornish pasty. The Association has successfully increased interest at a national and local level after receiving DEFRA’s support to protect the Cornish pasty with PGI status. The application is currently with the European Commission for final approval, which is expected in 2009.

Local bakers and suppliers in Cornwall welcomed DEFRA’s news as a positive route to benefit the local economy and protect their businesses. Lee Nile from Nile’s Bakery commented: “We have joined the Association because it’s the perfect platform to join forces and defend our traditional food. Cornish pasties have been made for generations and we need to make sure the quality will be safeguarded for new generations to come.”

David Rodda spokesperson for the CPA said: “It’s important that we protect our regional produce and heritage for the future of our local economy and our local communities; the Cornish pasty industry benefits small businesses, farmers and suppliers, directly or indirectly throughout the supply chain, and it is fantastic news that more bakeries see the benefit in protecting one of our most famous products by joining the Association.”

The CPA formed in 2002 by a group of pasty makers to safeguard the heritage of the Cornish pasty and to stop consumers from being misled by pasty makers who trade off the value of the name without producing a genuine product. The Association has received support from around the world and more than 800 people have joined supporting Facebook groups.

ENDS
Issue date: 18th November 2008

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