Q: Who can join Cornwall Food and Drink?

A: There are two different strands of membership.
1. Food and Drink member - for Producers/ Manufacturers/Retailers/Hospitality Businesses/Wholesalers.
2. Service Provider Member - for any organisation with goods or services to sell to Cornwall’s food and drink sector.

Membership is limited to organisations located within Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly. Where a business is part of a large chain, the business must be wholly independently owned.

Q: Is Cornwall Food and Drink just for businesses then?

A: Not at all. We’re a new type of organisation – a bit like a trade organisation because we’re a network for a specific business sector, but we ‘talk’ direct to shoppers and diners too.

Q: Do I have to become a member to use your services?

A: Not at all. Some marketing opportunities and information resources are restricted to members but any business based in Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly can take part in our events and activities and use our professional services. Non-members simply pay the ‘pay-as-you-go’ rate. If you are likely to be a frequent user of our services or events, membership is almost undoubtedly a more cost-effective option but if, for example, you feel you might take part in just one event a year, or you already belong to another organisation and don’t feel you can afford two subscriptions, ‘pay-as-you-go’ will probably suit you better.

Q: What membership benefits do I get?

A: Members benefit from priority booking and reduced fees for taking part in Cornwall Food and Drink activities and events and reduced rates on professional services. There is a range of other member-only benefits, such as discounts or free services from our partner organisations.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: Annual membership rates are:
1. Food and Drink Member - £195
2. Service Provider Member - £100

Q: Does Cornwall Food and Drink give out grants?

A: No, but the links on our information pages and our extensive knowledge of resources available to businesses can assist in locating relevant grant schemes. We can also help prepare business and marketing plans and grant applications (there is a charge for this service, discounted for members).

Q: I’m looking for local suppliers for my shop/restaurant – can you help?

A: Almost certainly. The website www.cornwallfoodfinder.co.uk provides listings but we can help with specific requests if this does not locate what you’re looking for. Contact us with your question.

Q: Are you a QUANGO?

A: Definitely not. We are a private commercial enterprise and have invested our own money and time in the business. Nevertheless, our mission is to build the value of Cornwall’s food and drink businesses and improve the profitability of our members. It’s a new type of business model, where our success is your success, and the bigger we grow, the more we can do for you. Whichever way you look at it, it’s win-win and that’s what drives us.

Q: Do you operate an accreditation or quality assurance scheme?

A: No. Research has shown that customers rarely understand what the various schemes really mean. Our resources are better spent on promoting what’s good, motivating the not so good to improve, and helping your customers understand the real value of good food.

Q: Why does a small business have to pay the same membership fee as a larger business?

A: In many ways, smaller businesses need our services more and will use them more frequently. However, in addition to membership, we look to the larger businesses for sponsorship for our events, without which those events and the benefits they bring to smaller businesses just would not happen. We feel this is the fairest approach.