When will the programme start charging sign up fees?

The first six months of Taste of Northumberland will be free as an introductory offer. Information about any future charges will be shared well in advance of the end of this period.

Are there similar schemes elsewhere?

Yes. Similar food and drink provenance schemes operate successfully in places such as Scotland and Yorkshire, helping to strengthen local identity and support regional producers.

Taste of Northumberland Accreditation - Visit Northumberland Industry

Q: How will Taste of Northumberland be funded?

Taste of Northumberland will launch with a fully funded marketing campaign, and all partners who sign up will be included in this initial promotion. In future, a participation charge will apply to help generate income to sustain ongoing marketing and delivery of the scheme. All revenue raised will be reinvested, alongside continued investment from Visit Northumberland, NCC, and other funding partners where appropriate, to support the promotion and operation of Taste of Northumberland.

Q: How can I stock or showcase Taste of Northumberland products in my shop or venue?

You can complete the initial sign-up form to join the programme mailing list. Once the scheme is fully up and running, we will share supplier information and promote Taste of Northumberland businesses so you can make direct contact with producers.

Visit Northumberland Industry

Looking for somewhere to eat?

This page is for businesses applying for accreditation. To find Taste of Northumberland restaurants, cafés, pubs and producers, visit Taste of Northumberland on visitnorthumberland.com.

Celebrating and Promoting Northumberland’s Food Story

Get involved now!

Taste of Northumberland is a scheme designed to champion the county’s food, drink, and hospitality businesses that grow, make, or serve products within Northumberland.

As a member, you can showcase your authenticity with the official Taste of Northumberland logo, a trusted mark that assures consumers of genuine ingredients, artisan skill, and locally sourced products.

By joining, you’ll place your business at the heart of Northumberland’s food and drink story, gaining access to events, campaigns, and promotional opportunities that celebrate the very best of the county.

The benefits of being part of our story…

Taste of Northumberland is a scheme that champions the county’s food, drink, and hospitality businesses. To qualify, businesses must demonstrate genuine local sourcing and production, as well as meet recognised food quality standards. The scheme provides a trusted platform to showcase Northumberland’s finest products to retailers, buyers, and consumers, helping businesses stand out in a competitive marketplace.

Why Join Taste of Northumberland

Membership Benefits

Earn the Taste of Northumberland Mark

Qualifying members can display the official Taste of Northumberland logo, a mark of authenticity and local heritage that reassures customers of genuine ingredients, artisan craftsmanship, and trusted supply chains. This endorsement can be used on product labels, menus, and marketing materials, boosting visibility and consumer confidence locally and beyond.

Connect, Learn, and Grow Together

Members also gain access to expert advice, training, networking, and promotional activity, supporting business growth and industry connections. Dedicated campaigns will promote members and the Northumberland Food Story to local consumers and visitors alike.

Built for Long-Term Success

From events and campaigns to tailored business support, the programme delivers long-term value while adapting to the sector’s evolving needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Taste of Northumberland?

Taste of Northumberland is a county wide programme celebrating food and drink that is grown, made, produced, or significantly processed in Northumberland. It helps visitors and residents easily identify authentic local food and drink and supports businesses that champion Northumberland produce.

Is Taste of Northumberland replacing Produced in Northumberland?

Yes. Taste of Northumberland replaces the previous Produced in Northumberland scheme, building on it with a clearer brand, wider eligibility and stronger promotion of local food and drink.

Do businesses have to be based in Northumberland to take part?

No. Businesses do not need to be physically based in Northumberland, but they must produce, source, process, or distribute Northumberland food and drink products to be eligible.

Do all ingredients need to come from Northumberland?

No. Not all ingredients have to be grown in Northumberland. If a product cannot be grown locally due to climate or other constraints (for example coffee beans or tea leaves), it can still qualify if it is significantly changed in Northumberland, such as being roasted, blended, brewed, distilled, or manufactured in the county.

Can attractions or venues take part (for example theatres or cultural venues)?

Yes. Attractions and venues can be part of Taste of Northumberland if they meet the eligibility criteria and sign up to the scheme. This may include serving, selling or actively promoting Northumberland food and drink as part of their offer.

Can markets apply to be part of Taste of Northumberland?

Markets themselves cannot apply, but individual traders or businesses that attend markets can sign up independently if they meet the eligibility criteria.

How does Taste of Northumberland relate to the Visit Northumberland Partnership?

Both schemes are delivered by Visit Northumberland but serve different purposes. Taste of Northumberland focuses specifically on promoting the county’s food and drink offer, which is the largest contributor to the visitor economy, generating annually £540 million, accounting for 46% of total visitor spend. The Visit Northumberland Partnership supports the wider visitor economy, including accommodation, attractions and experiences. Businesses can choose to be part of one scheme or both.

How will Taste of Northumberland be funded?

A participation charge applies to help generate income to sustain ongoing marketing and delivery of the scheme. All revenue raised will be reinvested, alongside continued investment from Visit Northumberland, NCC, and other funding partners where appropriate, to support the promotion and operation of Taste of Northumberland.

How can I stock or showcase Taste of Northumberland products in my shop or venue?

We share Taste of Northumberland Producers' information via this page and promote all of the businesses on the programme via our microsite at www.tasteofnorthumberland.com.

Will costs depend on the size of my business?

No. When the programme becomes chargeable, costs will not be based on business size.

How will Taste of Northumberland branding and stickers work?

Once businesses complete the formal sign-up process, they will receive a welcome pack. Window stickers will be provided. If producers wish to use the Taste of Northumberland logo on packaging or labels, they will need to arrange printing or update their branding themselves, following brand guidance.

How will the success of Taste of Northumberland be measured?

Success will be measured through the number and range of businesses signed up, increased visibility and promotion of local food and drink and growing recognition of the Taste of Northumberland brand among visitors and residents.

Who is the programme for?

The programme is open to a wide range of businesses including:

Producers: a business that produces goods at source and sells directly or supplies local businesses.
Hospitality: a business whose primary offering is food, drink, accommodation, events or guest experiences, including accommodation, restaurant industry, experiences, and venues.
Retail: a physical or online business selling a range of local food and drink and promoting their provenance.
Distributors: a business that purchases and distributes local produce to retailers, suppliers, or hospitality businesses.

Register for Taste of Northumberland

Name *

Business Name *

Email address *

Telephone Number *

Marketing Preferences

Yes, I would like to receive emails from Visit Northumberland about business opportunities, industry news and updates beyond the Taste of Northumberland programme. You can unsubscribe at any time. (See our Privacy Policy).

By submitting this form, you agree that your information will be used to administer the Taste of Northumberland programme, create and manage your business profile, and contact you with important information about your participation. Your information may also be shared with Food and Drink North East for this purpose. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy.

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Taste of Northumberland Benefits and Rates, Plus Long Term Opportunities