Cornwall’s food has a richly deserved reputation across the world. The county’s position on the Atlantic coast has ensured a long history of sea fishing, maintained today in several ports. Demand continues to grow both nationally and internationally – some 70% of the Cornish catch is exported – and the industry is introducing innovative methods to meet demand sustainably.
Cornish dairy produce also has a global standing. The county is home to one of Europe’s biggest and most modern cheese creameries, and Cornish Clotted Cream has EU Protected Designation of Origin.
An increasing number of dairy farms are now organic, contributing to Cornwall’s burgeoning status as the UK’s organic capital. Over 130 organic farmers now operate here, offering not only dairy produce but also meat and a range of fruit and vegetables.
Farms benefit from Cornwall’s mild climate and fertile soils – as well as the local workforce, with a strong agricultural heritage. The Cornwall Agri-Food Council is seeking to build on these advantages, using EU and UK government investment to help transform Cornwall into the UK’s exemplar agri-food centre of excellence. This is backed by the creation of a Food Innovation Service at Duchy College.
To make the most of this produce, Cornwall has an established network of food processing plants, specialising in different areas – though with production growing, there is clear scope for more. 11 abattoirs serve the meat industry, fish processing is centred on Newlyn and companies such as Proper Cornish Foods, Tamar Food, Cornish Orchards, Trewithen Farm Dairy, Riveria Product, Callestick Ice Cream and Ginsters operate large and scale processing and packaging operations. The latter also runs one of the UK's premier independent food testing laboratories at its Callington site.
The quality of the food and drink industry in Cornwall has also drawn in national names such as restaurateurs Rick Stein and Jamie Oliver. As well as helping build a new industry in gastro-tourism, they also have made a clear commitment to using Cornish ingredients – as has the local authority and local NHS.
The annual Cornwall Food and Drink festival showcases the strength of the sector and attracts national visitors and coverage.
Related Links
The Food Innovation Service provides expert support to food and drink businesses across the South West
Find out more about Cornwall’s mature transport infrastructure and excellent national and international connections
Read about The Cornwall Food Programme – a unique initiative by the local NHS to ensure it purchases local produce
The Food in Cornwall Association promotes high quality cafes, pubs and restaurants in the county
See the latest news and developments from Newlyn, the hub of Cornwall’s fishing industry
Read more about the Food Innovation Centre at Duchy College
For more information on the Cornwall Agri-food Council
See how the Cornwall Organic Studies Centre is strengthening the local talent pool
Cornwall Food & Drink is the specialist market development hub for food and drink businesses throughout Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly