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The Aims of the Cornish Pasty Association
The Cornish Pasty Association was formed in 2002 by a group of more
than 50 pasty makers based in Cornwall. The Association exists to
protect the quality and the reputation of the Cornish pasty and to stop
consumers being misled by pasty makers who trade off the value of the
name without producing a genuine product.
The production of Cornish pasties makes a significant contribution to
the Cornish Economy. Cornwall's pasty producers are important providers
of year-round employment. The CPA members employ over 1,800 permanent
staff and it is estimated that some 13,000 people are directly and
indirectly benefitting from the trade.
Unfortunately, many pasties currently sold are labelled as Cornish
pasties but they are made outside of Cornwall, without following a
traditional recipe or baking manner and are inferior in both quality
and taste. This affects the reputation of the genuine Cornish pasties
and causes confusion with consumers willing to pay a premium price for
a genuine article.
It is believed locally that protection of the Cornish pasty is
necessary in order to safeguard the heritage of the Cornish pasty, the
future of the industry and the reputation of the product. For these
reasons the Association has submitted an application to DEFRA in order
to obtain Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status for the
'Cornish Pasty'. If PGI status is granted to the Cornish pasty, the
same status that has been granted to Champagne, Parma Ham, Stilton
Cheese, Arbroath Smokies, Cornish Clotted Cream, Smoked Salmon and many
other regional produce, it would mean only pasty makers based in
Cornwall who make in a traditional manner and follow a traditional
recipe will be able to label their products as Cornish pasties.
Following a long period of consultation
with pasty makers throughout the UK, it is now anticipated that DEFRA
will support the Association's PGI request and send the application to
European Commission for final approval.
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