Visit Devon supports campaign for Devon cream teas to get EU protected status

Devon has long been synonymous with the cream tea and now an enterprising Devon farm has launched a campaign to get European protection for the name “Devon cream tea”. At the opening of the Devon County Show on Thursday, 20 May 2010, Devon-based dairy Langage Farm explained that sub-standard versions of the cream tea with its scone and generous helpings of jam were detrimental to the image of this sought after treat. Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) would mean teas must be produced, processed or prepared in Devon. The campaign, which has been launched following calls to a local radio station, has started with a petition to back the plan. The next step will be to win the backing of the Department for Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to take the case for PDO status to the EU. If the Devon cream tea wins protected status, it will join cheeses including Stilton, Single Gloucester, Dovedale and Swaledale, and Cornish clotted cream and the Cornish sardine. Paul Winterton, general manager at Langage Farm, said: "I have seen Devon cream teas with cream dispensed from a can and the scone was more like a cake. "With an excellent food like the Devon cream tea, you need to know its origin.” Rosie Bates, general manager of Visit Devon, said “Visit Devon wholeheartedly supports this campaign. Visitors come from far and wide to enjoy our cream teas – you can always tell the true Devon product because we put the cream on first, followed by the jam.” For more information about Visit Devon, contact Rosie Bates, General Manager, T/: 01392 332828 or E/: rosie@visitdevon.co.uk or go to www.visitdevon.co.uk About Visit Devon Visit Devon is the destination management organisation responsible for promoting Devon to the world. The organisation acts as a voice for tourism in Devon and its aim is simple - to increase the number of visitors to Devon by promoting the county as a year-round destination for business or leisure. The organization brings together, adds value to and enhances the work and activities undertaken by the six Area Tourism Partnerships across the county. Visit Devon is committed to growing the tourism sector sustainably, increasing the skills within the industry, and raising the quality of the visitor experience. Visit Devon is a public-private partnership limited by guarantee. The not for profit company comprises of nine member organizations including the six Area Tourism Partnerships (Exeter and Essential Devon, Visit Plymouth, North Devon+, The Dartmoor Partnership, The English Riviera Tourist Board, and Visit South Devon) Devon County Council, The Devon Association of Tourist Attractions (Data), and Devon Farms. Visit Devon is the trading name of Destination Devon Ltd.