Taste Real has been honoured with the Brand Identity award by the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC).
Since its inception in 2009, the local food initiative has continued to build on its goal to support local businesses, farms and producers throughout the county.
The promotion is part of the Rural Romp food promotion in north Wellington and a similar campaign in central Wellington, said Wellington North tourism, marketing and promotion manager April Marshall.
“We are really excited to be receiving this award,” said Minto Mayor George Bridge, the county’s economic development chairman.
“It is wonderful to be recognizing Wellington’s strong agri-food sector through the collaborative effort that has gone into building this brand.”
Along with the award, Taste Real received the 2012 Economic Development Council of Ontario (EDCO) Product Development Award as well as the Ontario Culinary Tourism 2012 Leadership Award.
“The success of Taste Real lies in the partnerships that have been created within our region,” said Taste Real coordinator Christina Mann.
“Our mission is to support local small businesses and farms to build stronger rural communities and grow one of the most vibrant, local food economies and food tourism destinations in Ontario.”
Taste Real is administered by the county and has developed strong ties with eight municipal strategic partners: Guelph, Elora-Fergus Tourism, Guelph-Eramosa, Erin, Mapleton, Minto and Wellington North, and institutional partners from the University of Guelph, The Food School and the Guelph Community Health Centre and six regional farmers’ markets.
The successful consumer events and partner programs – Source it Here, Wellington Rural Romp, Local Food Fest, Field Dinner and more – have shown the benefit of moving Taste Real to the next level, Mann added.
To date, over 120 businesses and stakeholders are partners and actively use the brand to promote products and services.
For more information on Taste Real, its initiatives and upcoming local food events, visit www.tastereal.ca.
EDAC is Canada’s national organization of economic development professionals, representing all provinces and territories across the nation.
For more information visit www.edac.ca.
