SA Food Minister, Gail Gago, launched the new Barossa Trust Mark last night at the Hutton Vale farm in Angaston.
Described as somewhat similar to a Michelin rating system by creator Paul Henry of Winehero, the Barossa Trust Mark is designed to encompass the region’s commitment to consistent, high quality products, and provide a platform to firmly establish the Barossa brand on the world stage, The Advertiser Reports.
"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," said Henry.
"It's a universal benchmark and no other region in the world has done this so it's a real first".
"It is like the Michelin rating system in a sense, lasting for a year and then you have to re-audition every 12 months," he said.
The first Trust Mark recipients will be announced in July 2014 and are expect to include; Rockford Basket Press Shiraz, Maggie Beer Verjuice, Seppeltsfield Vineyard Cottages, Linke's Butcher's mettwurst and Apex Bakery's 1924 loaf.
Gail Gago said that the Trust Mark will provide producers with a competitive advantage by enabling consumers to differentiate between true Barossa Valley products, and other products that may use the Barossa name.
"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,” said Gago.