New 'trust mark' promotes Barossa's best products and places

THE Barossa Valley is launching a world-first brand to shine the global spotlight on the famous region's most trusted food, wine and tourism businesses.

In Barossa brands world can trust

THE Barossa Valley is launching a world-first brand to shine the global spotlight on the famous region's most trusted food, wine and tourism businesses.

The new Barossa Trust Mark will be launched on Wednesday evening by Food Minister Gail Gago at Hutton Vale farm in Angaston.

Trust Mark creator Paul Henry from Winehero said the brand successfully brought together Barossa food, wine and tourism industries to promote destinations and products that fit with the region's ethos.

"The qualifying criteria are demanding and the Trust Mark is far more than just a brand of origin and also addresses value creations of quality, integrity, environment and community," Mr Henry said.

"It's a universal benchmark and no other region in the world has done this so it's a real first".

Mr Henry said products chosen to lead the way and show the standard expected to gain the Trust Mark included Rockford Basket Press Shiraz, Maggie Beer Verjuice, Seppeltsfield Vineyard Cottages, Linke's Butcher's mettwurst and Apex Bakery's 1924 loaf, among others.

Businesses that aspire to the Trust Mark can apply to a panel of food, wine and tourism experts and, if successful, are granted the accreditation for one year. The first Trust Mark recipients will be announced in July 2014.

"It is like the Michelin rating system in a sense, last for a year and then you have to re-audition every 12 months," Mr Henry said.

He said the "Barossa. Be Consumed" advertising campaign had reignited interest in the region which was "really pushing hard" to be known on the global stage.

"You can't just compete domestically, there has to be an international focus," Mr Henry said.

Food Minister Gail Gago said the Barossa 'brand' was one the region "rightfully wishes to harness and promote".

"I think it's a great initiative from the food, wine and tourism sectors to come together on this project that will help consumers identify what distinguishes a true Barossa product, and assist producers and providers to share the experiences they work so hard to create, Ms Gago said.

The Barossa attracts one million visitors a year, generates more than $150 million annually for the SA economy and the region's grape and wine sector contributes more than $740 million in production output each year.

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