Membership of Boyne Valley Flavours
There has never been a better time to join Boyne Valley Flavours, with the joint support of both Meath and Louth Co. Councils, their respective LEOs and our dedicated Food Development Officer Emma Gill.
Our aim for 2023, and beyond, is to promote the Boyne Valley region as a “Foodie Destination” under the one brand, Discover Boyne Valley Flavours. This is achieved through a collaborative effort of promoting local food & drink producers, food/drink tourism activities or food events through our Boyne Valley Food Series and showcasing the eateries in the region that provide a local food offering through our Place on a Plate campaign.
Join us, and become part of a successful regional food family, where friendships are forged, new ideas are ‘spawned’, business advice & inspiration is shared with like-minded people.
Complete our membership form* here: Boyne Valley Flavours Membership Application or find out more by emailing us today at hello@boynevalleyflavours.ie
Benefits of Boyne Valley Flavours Membership
- All members will be branded in partnership with an internationally recognized award-winning food tourism brand.
- The Brand provides consumer assurance that they are purchasing/supporting locally produced food/drink producers & food experiences from the Boyne Valley Region.
- Exclusive use of the ‘Discover Boyne Valley Flavours” brand - access to artwork i.e. logos, etc.
- Each food & drink business/event/venue receives a dedicated members page on our new Boyne Valley Flavour's website.
- Support from our dedicated PR/ Marketing company & our Brand Ambassadors (The Gastro Gays); with regular posts across our social media platforms; Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
- Access to our private Boyne Valley Flavours Network WhatsApp group
- We host regular Food Network events / workshops / FAM Trips, in association with the Local Enterprise Offices, that seek to connect you with other members of our network, encourage new business opportunities and learn from industry experts. These specific themed events may have a small fee
- Receive regular updates of upcoming events, funding, industry programmes and support opportunities available to help you and your business grow
- Benefit from coverage generated by regular Press Releases and monthly Newsletters featuring events, producers and awards which is sent to local, regional and national publications.
- Working in collaboration with Discover Boyne Valley Tourism, who promote your activities and initiatives at all major national and international trade fairs and consumer shows.
- Opportunity to feature in pitches and media drops to TV, radio and press on specific topics with a view to getting coverage for local products, producers and events.
- Opportunities to take part in initiatives such as Place on a Plate for hospitality members.
- Our Food Development Officer, when appointed, will be here to offer support and guidance to you as needed.
*Eligibility for membership is outlined below:
Food & Drink Producers:
> Food/Drink business must be located within the Boyne Valley Region (in counties Louth or Meath).
>The business must be registered with the EHO or Department of Agriculture > The business must have a HACCP system in place.
>Products cannot be an imported product or one sourced from a distributor.
The quality and provenance of produce is central to maintaining a high standard of expectation as a food and craft drinks destination. Find below examples of ineligible members:
- A producer imports chicken from the far east, in an industrial unit they repack these pieces having sprinkled them with herbs. They apply for membership of Discover Boyne Valley Flavours and use the logo as a large part of their packaging and marketing.
- A well-meaning but inexperienced farmer starts to produce a dairy product from their herd. They sell this product at a local Boyne Valley Food Series Event. They didn’t apply for registration with the EHO or Dept of Agriculture.
Food Service Provider (restaurants/cafes)
>The business must be located within the Boyne Valley region (in counties Louth or Meath)
>The business much be register with the Environmental Health Office (EHO) in the Health Service Department
>The business must have all relevant licenses in place
>The Business must be committed to supporting local producers and showcasing them on their menu’s.
Foodie Experiences including Markets:
>The experience or market must be in the Boyne Valley
> Must support and showcase local Food & Drink Producers
Accommodation Providers:
>The accommodation must be in the Boyne Valley Region
Once you have completed our membership form, it will be presented to steering committee for approval.