FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Over the past three months, we have been working diligently with our local Geoproduct development team and Magma UNESCO Global Geopark in Norway, to finalize our newest program available exclusively for Geopark business members and we are excited to introduce our first GEOfood approved member. Bonabooch Kombucha has met all the criteria and has entered into a brand agreement with Discovery Global Geopark to follow the brand, logo and guidelines established for raw and artisanal
producers.
Behind the GEOfood brand lies a clear philosophy. It is a brand that looks to support local communities and foster a holistic and bottom-up approach toward sustainable economic growth. Owner Marc Fudge said the GEOfood brand was something his company could easily get behind. “When we formed the company in 2018, we knew sustainable product development was something we wanted to be part of. Everything we do, from our label to our bottle cap was chosen because one of our company’s core values is linked to sustainable development. We are extremely proud of the fact that over 75% of our ingredients are sourced locally – here within the boundaries of the Geopark. From the natural spring-water to the local berries we choose to make our flavour profiles unique. While Kombucha derives from Asian cultures, it is our use of local ingredients, like gooseberries, crowberries, Chaga and rosehips that connects our product to the local geology and our geological heritage,” Marc Fudge said.
Marc’s knowledge and passion for local ingredients draw upon generations of traditional foraging practices learned from his grandparents. These practices are rooted in a deep respect for our shared natural environment and traditionally the land and sea always provided everything locals needed to survive our harsh climate. “I knew incorporating my grandparent’s knowledge into our business – and our
new line of wild-harvested foods to the GEOfood product line – were good business decisions,” said Marc.
“I grew up here in Bonavista and I’ve always supported locals as much as possible. That does not mean closing off the outside world, it simply means nurturing and helping locally owned businesses, like us.
Locals supporting locals has been proven to aid in our bottom line. When a restaurant, café or other business promotes our kombucha on their menu along with local fish, meat, and veggies, it is offering the
customer the possibility to experience real Geopark ́s sustainable way of living.”
Being part of a larger UNESCO brand has immense potential said Morgaine Parnham, Geoproduct
Committee Chair. “We are excited to profile Bonabooch Kombucha as our first GEOfood company as they set a great standard for best practices that others can follow. Over the coming months, we hope this program will attract interest from other producers. In addition to artisanal producers, we hope to attract local farmers & fisherpersons offering raw products such as meat, mushrooms, and vegetables,”
said Morgaine.
“Having a Global Geopark located on the Bonavista Peninsula shines a bright light on the region and as an organization, we look forward to working with all our producers to enhance our regional tourism offerings –including geo-inspired food, products, events and experiences. It all takes time but now that COVID-19 restrictions are lifting we are excited to begin our consultation with the industry and this is a great
first step, and just like we introduced the GEOfood program we continue to research other UNESCO
Geoproduct programs that can be adapted specifically for our area.”, Parnham said.
In the coming weeks, Cyndy Stead, Geopark Manager will meet with interested local producers one-on-
one to discuss the GEOfood program in greater detail. Leading into the fall and winter months the plan is to consult with accommodation operators and restaurant owners to review the best options to expand the GEOfood program to include menu development.
There are currently 169 Global Geoparks around the world, spread out over 44 countries. The Discovery Global Geopark along with Fundy Global Geopark is the only 2 Geoparks in Canada participating in this international program. MAGMA aims to attract participation from at least 30% of the UNESCO Global Geoparks in Europe by the end of 2023, and 10% of Geoparks in the rest of the world by 2025.
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To find out more about the GEOfood program visit our website at www.geofood.no and find the local
brochure online at www.discoverygeopark.com
Media Contact:
Cyndy Stead, Geopark Manager
E: [email protected]
T: 1.709.464.7345