The first official step to ensure Dundee cake can only be made in the City of Discovery will be taken today.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead will launch the Scottish Government’s consultation for the bid when he visits Goodfellow & Steven in Broughty Ferry.
He will be backed up by baker Martin Goodfellow in the quest to have the fruitcake traditionally made with currants, sultanas and almonds, and a sweet glaze achieve Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) under the EU’s Protected Food Name.
When he launched his intention to safeguard the recipe at last year’s Dundee Flower and Food Festival, Mr Lochhead said: “Dundee is famous as a city of discoveries and we want the world to discover delicious, authentic Dundee cake.
“We can trace its origins back hundreds of years. Achieving PGI status for Dundee cake will ensure that consumers at home and abroad have a 100% guarantee of the product’s authenticity.”
Now, 14 months after the initial announcement, the first major steps are being taken to make the promise a reality.
The EU Protected Food Name scheme highlights regional and traditional foods whose authenticity and origin can be guaranteed. One of the most famous products is Champagne but there are examples closer to home, such as Arbroath smokies and Forfar bridies.
Under this system the named food or drink will be given legal protection against imitation throughout the EU meaning no one outside of the city will be able to pass their own take on “Dundee cake” off as being the genuine article.
The other benefit that comes with protection is awareness of a product being raised throughout Europe.
The bid will go to the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, who will examine whether or not it meets the marks of the scheme before lobbying Brussels.