The Laois TASTE Provenance Scheme certifies Laois food & drink outlets & retail businesses that sell Laois made produce. The Laois TASTE Brand is a mark of origin and allows consumers to identify food & drink 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
· Bring new products to market
How will it 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.
- Use of Laois TASTE Brand
- Members will also be entitled to subsidised/free 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 or Food Service Operators applying to use the Laois TASTE brand must be able to offer the details of at least 3 local products and producers which they source from. Details of Laois sources must be submitted at time of application, giving names and contact details.
· 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 their 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.
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
· Permission to use the Laois TASTE brand will be withdrawn if there is any breach of the rules. No refund will be offered.
· 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.
· 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.
· As a member you will be open to being randomly selected and audited against the criteria. If selected, you must facilitate the approvals committee.
· If found to be in breach of the conditions, all marketing collateral i.e. decals, certificate, plaque, use of Laois TASTE logo etc., will be withdrawn with immediate effect
Terms & Conditions:
· 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
· Permission to use the Laois TASTE brand will be withdrawn if there is any breach of the rules. No refund will be offered.
· The applicants will be responsible for any costs incurred through disposal of marketing collateral if permission to use the Keeping it ‘Local 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.
· The brand logo of Laois Taste may be used in advertising, at point of sale and on promotional literature, stationery, etc. within the scope of the brand guidelines.
· Approval to use the Laois TASTE brand will entitle all subscribers to participate in the subsidised activities through the LEO, including mentoring, training, networking events, marketing programmes, showcase events, etc.
· As a member you will be open to being randomly selected and audited against the criteria. If selected, you must facilitate the approvals committee.
· 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.
· The Laois Taste brand accepts no liability for defective products/services offered by authorised persons using the brand or otherwise howsoever arising.
· If found to be in breach of the conditions, all marketing collateral i.e. decals, certificate, plaque, use of Laois TASTE logo etc., will be withdrawn with immediate effect.