Jason Jobling, director of Warrens Bakery, based in St Just on the far western tip of Cornwall, has become the new Chair of the Cornish Pasty Association, following the Association’s recent AGM.

The Association represents the interests of pasty-makers of all sizes throughout the county and created the groundswell that led the EU to grant PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status to the Cornish pasty.  This milestone achievement means that, throughout the UK and the wider European Union, only products that are made to the approved recipe can be marketed as a Cornish pasty.  The PGI status therefore ensures that the genuine Cornish pasty, loved and revered all over the world for generations, retains its distinctiveness and heritage.

Jason is keen to use his period in office to build recognition of both the Cornish pasty and the Association even further.  Speaking of his appointment, he said, “I am very proud to be elected Chairman of the Cornish Pasty Association; Cornwall relies heavily on the food and drink industry with 1 in 3 jobs in Cornwall being involved in some way.  Food and drink is also the biggest manufacturing sector in the county and to be involved in our ‘hero’ product, the pasty, is wonderful.  The next twelve months will be important in developing and building the Cornish pasty ‘brand’; the Association has worked hard to gain the protected name and now we need to demonstrate to the world the quality of our Cornish pasty.”

The Association is interested in hearing from any pasty producers who would like to join the Association.  Membership is open to anyone producing genuine Cornish pasties commercially, including restaurants, cafés and the many bakers’ and butchers’ shops that produce their own pasties.  Amongst other benefits, the verification and certification process required by the EU is included within the membership, along with guidance about implementation of the EU rules and other valuable marketing and business support and trade opportunities.  In order to be as inclusive as possible, membership fees are based on the number of pasties produced and the cost for smaller businesses is heavily subsidised.