UK Ark of Taste & Presidia
The Ark of Taste is a catalogue of exceptional gastronomic products in danger of disappearing due to current food production and distribution systems. Thanks to the contribution of experts and collaborators around the world the Ark currently includes more than 700 products from 30 countries. Presidia are an extension of the Slow Food Ark. A presidium is a local project which focuses on a group of producers of a single product. They work together to develop production and marketing techniques to allow their work to be economically viable.
Examples of this type of product include Artisan Somerset Cheddar made in the traditional way and with unpasteurised milk. Another example is Three Counties Perry, until recently a little-known drink, which has been made, principally in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, for centuries.
The commercial viability of these and other products have been transformed through the collective work of the Presidium producer members and support of Slow Food. SFUK is working with British producers to preserve and support this vital part of our food heritage. There are currently five Presidia in the UK (Fal Oysters, Old Gloucester beef, Old Gloucester cheese, Artisan Somerset cheese and Three Counties Perry) but the plan is to expand this initiative as the UK office gears up. SFUK will especially focus on broadening the Ark of Taste and Presidia to offer a better representational spread with an increasing focus on investments in Wales and Scotland.
The list of UK Ark products, UK Presidia and further information about the Ark, can be found on the UK Ark website www.slowfoodark.com
