The Taste Library

Useful Links for the Food and Drink Sector

There are some great tools and useful advice on a number of websites; we have pulled together a list of those that the Taste North East team use regularly. Please do share with us any that you think we should add.

Accreditation/Certification/Standards

AA Hospitality Awards - businesses assessed and rated under a set of common quality standards agreed by the AA and the UK tourist authorities
www.aahospitalityawards.com

British Lion Egg Mark – denotes eggs produced to a stringent Code of Practice incorporating the latest research and advice on Salmonella and eggs from scientists and vets
www.lioneggs.co.uk

British Retail Consortium – BRC Global Standard for Food Safety
www.brcglobalstandards.com/standards/food/

Fair Trade – assurance to retailers and consumers that Fairtrade producers in the developing world are getting a fair deal for their work
www.fairtrade.org.uk/business_services/product_certification.aspx/

FARMA –independent certification of Farmers’ Market to ensure they're the ‘real deal’
www.farmersmarkets.net/

Food Hygiene Rating Scheme – national food hygiene rating scheme where you can find the official local authority hygiene ratings for food businesses
www.food.gov.uk/safereating/hyg/hygieneratings/ or www.scoresonthedoors.org.uk/ 

GS1 UK – barcodes, a system of standards to identify products and assets
www.gs1uk.org/

Halal Food Authority - monitor and regulate red meat and poultry in UK
www.halalfoodauthority.co.uk/

Institute of Food Science and Technology - the leading independent qualifying body for food professionals in Europe and the only professional body in the UK concerned with all aspects of food
www.ifst.org/

Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) – assurance scheme based on environmentally responsible farming principles, which support farmers to produce good food with care and to high environmental standards.
www.leafuk.org/

Organic Farmers and Growers –combine organic inspections with other key certification programmes, including BRC, FABBL, FABBL Crop, Assured Produce, Assured British Pig etc.
www.organicfarmers.org.uk/

Red Tractor – Red Tractor Assurance sets out to maintain, develop and promote integrated Assurance standards for the benefit of its assured members within the whole food industry. It sets standards for farms as well as other critical links in the food supply chain both pre- and post-farm
www.redtractor.org.uk/

RSPCA Freedom Foods – farm assurance scheme focusing solely on improving the welfare of farm animals reared for food
www.rspca.org.uk/freedomfood/

Safe and Local Supplier Approval (SALSA) – food safety certification Scheme for small and micro suppliers
www.salsafood.co.uk/

Soil Association – organic certification to farms and businesses
www.soilassociation.org/

Business Support and allied organisations:

Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) - to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of various agriculture and horticulture sectors
www.ahdb.org.uk/

Bpex – enhancing the competitiveness, efficiency and profitability for English pig levy payers and drive demand for quality-assured Red Tractor pork and pig meat products
www.bpex.org.uk/

British Confectioners' Association – the practical craft sector of the confectionery
www.the-bca.com/

British Contract Manufacturers and Packers Association (BCMPA) – provide an extensive range of outsourcing services across many industry sectors
www.bcmpa.org.uk/

British Hospitality Association (BHA) - the leading representative organisation for the UK hospitality industry. We promote the interests of hotels, restaurants and food service
www.bha.org.uk/

British Soft Drinks Association - represents the collective interests of producers and manufacturers of soft drinks
www.britishsoftdrinks.com/

Business Link - government's online resource for businesses
www.businesslink.gov.uk/ -

Butchers Guild - connection and support among butchers
www.thebutchersguild.org/

Campden BRI – Science, technology and information for the food, drink and allied industries worldwide
www.campden.co.uk/

CompeteFor –access to London 2012 and other major contract opportunities 
www.competefor.com/

CompeteNorthEast - procurement support service offering North East businesses advice
http://www.competenortheast.co.uk/

Craft Guild of Chefs – an association representing the interest of chefs
www.craftguildofchefs.org/

Dairy Co - a levy-funded, not-for-profit organisation working on behalf of Britain's dairy farmers to assist solve 'market failure' in the dairy industry
www.dairyco.org.uk/

Defra - UK government department responsible for policy and regulations on the environment, food and rural affairs
http://www.defra.gov.uk/

Eblex - to enhance the profitability and sustainability of the English beef and lamb sector
www.eblex.org.uk/

English Food & Drink Alliance – represents the country's 8 regional food groups and promotes and develops English food and drink
www.englishfoodanddrinkalliance.co.uk/

Envirowise - support to become more resource efficient and save money
www.envirowise.gov.uk/

Exports (UK Trade & Investment) - supports companies who want to trade and invest overseas
www.exportnortheast.com/

Federation of Small Businesses –the UK's largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms
www.fsb.org.uk/

Food and Drink Federation (FDF) – represents the interests of the UK's food and non-alcoholic drinks manufacturing industry and specific food sectors
www.fdf.org.uk/

Guild of Fine Food - organises the Great Taste Awards, the national benchmark for speciality food and drink sector and communicates to retailers, producers and suppliers through the ‘industry voice’, Fine Food Digest magazine
www.finefoodworld.co.uk/

Health Protection Agency (HPA) – an independent body that protects the health and well-being of the population
www.hpa.org.uk/

HGCA - carries out research and development, market information, supply chain activities and consumer marketing programmes for the benefit of the cereals and oilseeds sector
www.hgca.com/

Horticultural Development Company (HDC) - serves British growers by being a top-class, efficient and progressive facilitator of near-market horticultural research and development and the associated technology transfer
www.hdc.org.uk/

Ice Cream Alliance (ICA) - a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the production and vending of premium ice cream
www.ice-cream.org/

IGD – provides information, insight and research for the food and grocery industry
www.igd.com/

Institute of Food Science & Technology (IFST) –the leading independent qualifying body for food professionals in Europe and the only professional body in the UK concerned with all aspects of food science and technology
www.ifst.org/

Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) - a leading advocate for food science and a catalyst for change around the world
www.ift.org/

Leatherhead Food International - an independent organisation delivering innovative research, scientific consultancy and regulatory guidance and interpretation
www.leatherheadfood.com/

Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) - helping UK manufacturers to share knowledge, improve productivity and achieve success in an increasingly competitive global economy
www.mas-northeast.co.uk/

Master Sommeliers – established to encourage improved standards of beverage knowledge and service in hotels and restaurants
www.mastersommeliers.org/

Meat and Livestock Commercial Services Ltd (MLCSL) - provides independent services and equipment on a commercial basis to the meat and livestock industry, contributing to the industry's efficiency and profitability
www.mlcsl.co.uk/

National Association of Master Bakers – represents the interests of the Craft Baking Industry in England and Wales
www.masterbakers.co.uk/

National Caterers Association (NCASS) – an alliance of caterers together with the manufacturers and suppliers to the trade
www.ncass.org.uk/

National Courier Association – network of independent courier companies
www.thenca.co.uk/

National Farmers Union (NFU) - principal UK body for those in the agricultural industry, which champions British farming and provides professional representation and services to its Farmer and Grower members
www.nfuonline.com/

National Industrial Symbiosis Programme (NISP) - business opportunity programme that delivers bottom line, environmental and social benefits
www.nisp.org.uk/

North East Chamber of Commerce – champions, connects and develops member businesses to win more business and become better businesses
www.necc.co.uk/

North East Farmers Markets (NEEFM) - an umbrella organisation for farmers’ markets operators in North East England
www.neefm.org.uk/

Potato Council – committed to supporting the British potato industry
www.potato.org.uk/

Retail Confectioners International – furthering the interests of manufacturing and retail confectioners and the retail confectionery industry
www.retailconfectioners.org/

Seafish –supports the seafood industry for a sustainable, profitable future. Offers services to all parts of the seafood industry, from catching and aquaculture to restaurants and retailers, including importers, exporters and distributors of seafood
www.seafish.org/

Shellfish Association of Great Britain – promotes and develops the shell fishing industry in UK
www.shellfish.org.uk/

Specialist Cheesemakers Association – an alliance of Cheesemakers, retailers, and wholesalers, formed to promote the traditional and artisan cheeses of Britain
www.specialistcheesemakers.co.uk/

Vegan Society – provides fact sheets on topics including nutrition and health
www.vegansociety.com/

Vegetarian Society - registered charity present news, recipes, events calendar, and educational material
www.vegsoc.org/

Waste Resource Action Programme (WRAP) – assist prevent waste, promote recycling and develop markets for valuable products.
www.wrap.org.uk/

Yourfoodjob - an online recruitment site dedicated to the food industry
www.yourfoodjob.com/

Environmental Health, Food Safety, Health & Safety, Legislative Bodies etc

Environmental Health –information on company registrations, set up, food safety guidance & inspections. Contact your local environmental health officer at your local authority:

Food Standards Agency - responsible for food safety and food hygiene across the UK
www.food.gov.uk/

Hazards Analysis Critical Control Point Programme (HACCP) - Since 1 January 2006 it has been a legal requirement for all food businesses to implement and maintain procedures based on HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) principles. For more information please go to: 
www.food.gov.uk/

Health & Safety Executive – national independent watchdog for work-related health, safety and illness issues
www.hse.gov.uk/

Health Protection Agency – independent UK organisation that to protect the public from threats to their health from infectious diseases and environmental hazards
www.hpa.org.uk/

Trading Standards – enforce consumer related legislation
www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/advice/advice-business.cfm/

Tourism

Farm Stay – passport to the finest scenery, hospitality and quality standards that add up to country living at its very bestwww.farmstay.co.uk/

Tourism Society - professional membership body for people working in all sectors of the visitor economy
www.tourismsociety.org/

Visit Britain - planning a holiday in the UK, looking for hotels and accommodation in Britain, or simply after UK travel, attractions or events information, VisitBritain.com has everything you need
http://www.visitbritain.com

Visit Durham - discover the history and heritage of our county in our unique attractions. Explore the beautiful landscapes of the Durham Dales; experience the vibrant culture of Durham City and the unspoilt views of Durham's Heritage Coast.
www.thisisdurham.com/

Visit England - For everything you need to organise the perfect day trip or holiday in England
http://www.visitengland.com/

Visit NewcastleGateshead - NewcastleGateshead offers a huge choice of state-of-the-art venues, cutting-edge cultural facilities and some of the finest support services www.newcastlegateshead.com/

Visit North East England - North East England is made up of four destinations. Each has a unique character and together they offer wide variety, from tranquil countryside and exhilarating coastline to rich heritage sites and contemporary cities bursting with culture
www.visitnortheastengland.com/

Visit Northumberland - find hotels, B&Bs, cottages, hostels, camp sites, attractions, things to do, places to eat, shops and events in beautiful Northumberland
www.visitnorthumberland.com/

Visit Tees Valley - home to vibrant towns, picturesque villages, gorgeous countryside and stunning coastline
www.visitteesvalley.co.uk/

Training

Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) – an independent organization representing the interests of the environmental health profession
www.cieh.org/

Improve - provides the strategic overview for the food & drink manufacturing sector to help increase performance and productivity
www.improveltd.co.uk/

Land based & Environmental Industries (LANTRA) – helping land-based and environmental businesses access the training, qualifications, skills and knowledge they need. UK’s Sector Skills Council for land-based and environmental industries.
www.lantra.org.uk/

National Skills Academy - a single source of training for the food and drink sector
www.foodanddrink.nsacademy.co.uk/

People First – Sector Skills Council for hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism
www.people1st.co.uk/

Skills for Logistics – Sector Skills Council for the UK's freight logistics industries
www.skillsforlogistics.org/

Skillsmart Retail – the Sector Skills Council for Retail and the recognised authority on retailers’ skills needs and priorities
www.skillsmartretail.com/  

Contact the Taste North East Team if there are any services that would be beneficial to your business.