Following dialogue with the Cornwall trading standards team it was proposed that Trewithen Dairy lead an initial consultation process amongst the Cornish dairy industry regarding an amendment to enhance and clarify the description of the production method in the protected designation of origin (PDO) product specification of clotted cream. As a result, Trewithen filed an official application to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in December 2013 to remove ambiguity around the use of clotted cream as an ingredient for larger scale bulk manufacturing.

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status is open to products which are produced, processed and prepared within a particular geographical area with features and characteristics of that area. Since it was awarded PDO status in 1998, only produce made in Cornwall with milk from Cornish cows and cooked using the traditional method that allows it to form a golden crust, can be sold with a “Cornish clotted cream” label.

Over the past 15 years, since the status was granted, the appeal and market for clotted cream has grown significantly in keeping with the on-going development of top quality food and drink coming out of Cornwall. Trewithen Dairy produces a range of delicious milk, butter, natural yoghurt and Cornish clotted cream and the local business is immensely proud of its Cornish heritage and is committed to delivering high quality fresh dairy produce.

The Lostwithiel-based family dairy agrees that clotted cream should have its Cornish origins firmly protected and therefore staunchly supports the on-going PDO status of the product. However, following collaboration with the trading standards team and further examination, Managing Director Bill Clarke believes that the current 1998 wording is unclear and somewhat ambiguous in a particular area.

Mr Clarke asserts that the current PDO document does not clearly describe the production method for bulk quantities of clotted cream supplied as an ingredient for manufacturing across a growing range of foodstuffs including ice cream, fudge, biscuits and other products. On behalf of the Cornish dairy industry Trewithen Dairy is therefore leading the current consultation process with DEFRA which is seeking clarity to strengthen the existing PDO and recognise the growing market for clotted cream, thus supporting the Cornish food and drink industry sector.

Bill Clarke said: “We completely agree that the heritage of our wonderful and highly valuable clotted cream should be strongly protected so that it retains the quality that makes it so instantly recognisable to consumers. Clotted cream has been made in Cornwall and Devon using traditional methods for hundreds of years, is deeply rooted in our culture and is a most important asset to our region. Trewithen Dairy is immensely proud of its own award-winning clotted cream which has a rich silky texture and depth of flavour in its characteristic crust.”

Mr Clarke continues: “However, whilst the most important objective here is to retain the product’s authenticity, we must recognise the evolution that clotted cream has undergone to become a national favourite and how it is now commonly included in many other foodstuffs. Our proposed amendment is therefore intended to strengthen the existing PDO by bringing clarity to the practice of clotted cream being used in larger products and produced in larger quantities. We are keen to do all we can to help DEFRA recognise the development and potential of the product market, all of which will continue to support sales in this vital area of the Cornish food and farming sector.”

The application for amendment is currently at the national consultation stage and will take place over the next few months.