The Fuchsia, long associated with West Cork has been chosen as the symbol of origin and quality for the food and tourism products of the region and reflects positive local characteristics, such as environmental quality, as well as the richness and diversity of the heritage, culture and landscape. Producers and providers sanctioned to utilise the “Fuchsia” logo must adhere to strict quality criteria, thereby ensuring excellence in all aspects of product and service quality.

Using the resources of the West Cork LEADER Co-Op as a principal element of the animation and capacity building function the Fuchsia Brands is an initiative to develop and market a quality identity for West Cork. The initiative is designed to:

• Develop a branded identity for local goods and services, both as an indicator of origin as well as a symbol of inherent quality.
• Promote West Cork as a place apart, with particular emphasis on the environmental, cultural and heritage resources of the region.
• Develop high quality goods and services, utilising the key resources of the region to satisfy specific market needs.
• Highlight quality local food produce from the region.
• Integrate the development and marketing of the Tourism, Craft and Food sectors to mutual benefit.
• Encourage the location of and development of clean technologies and natural resource type economic initiatives in the region.
• Assist in attracting inward investment into the region.

Tourism providers wishing to use the West Cork Fuchsia logo must undertake the relevant tourism training programmes set out in a matrix drawn up by Fuchsia Brands in conjunction with CERT, Cork/Kerry Tourism and West Cork Tourism. The criteria for members are as follows:

• Current Bord Failte/Regulatory body approval Commitment to management and staff training
• Implementation of a Code of Best Practice
• Implementation of a consumer response card system
  Membership of West Cork Tourism
• Monitoring by Fuchsia Brands Ltd.
  

We are pleased to invite your comments on any aspect of the Fuchsia Brand initiative, or on any of the accredited companies or products. For this purpose a Consumer Response Card is available at each of the listed tourism establishments. Alternatively you may register your comments at www.fuchsiabrands.com