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Why has the CPA applied for
a PGI
The CPA has applied for a PGI to protect the reputation of the 'Cornish
Pasty' from those seeking to exploit it for their own profit and to
safeguard the future of Cornish pasty making industry.
There are strong links between pasty production and local suppliers of
the ingredients. A huge amount of work and resource has been invested
within Cornwall with the aim of sourcing all the main raw ingredients
for the pasty. All CPA members are able to source a large percentage of
ingredients locally. In 2005, 5,700 tonnes of potatoes, 5,200 tonnes of
beef, 310 tonnes of onions and 1,550 tonnes of swede were produced by
Cornish farms for the Cornish pasty industry. Until five years ago, it
was considered Cornwall was not a suitable location for growing wheat
or onions commercially. However, Cornwall's biggest pasty maker has
worked with the agricultural community to develop its own source of
wheat and onions and can now source 45% of its flour requirement from
local growers and is hoping to be able to source 40% of its onion
requirement locally in the near future.
However, local sourcing goes further than purchasing raw materials and
employing staff, with many of the CPA members operating a purchasing
policy for all services to always be local whenever possible.
Demand for Cornish pasties is increasing exponentially partly due to
the growing number of retail pasty outlets nationwide and now also
overseas but also because of increased interest in the product from the
major supermarkets who have changed their own buying practices to allow
for much more regionalism and meet increased customer expectations
relating to product quality and provenance.
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