Frequently Asked Questions About Membership

The association is growing at a rapid rate. In the past year, the membership has increased by more than a third to the current total of 88. Our membership has also diversified to include the wide range of businesses that thrive in Jersey. There is a reason for this – members all find a positive benefit in belonging to an organisation which promotes growth, sustainability and innovation.

As a marketing tool the Genuine Jersey logo is unique. It not only benefits those individuals or industries involved in the production of goods but it endorses the ‘Jersey’ brand, helping to generate a pride in the quality and value of Genuine Jersey products.

How do I apply to become a member of Genuine Jersey?
How much does it cost?
What benefits do I receive from being a member?
How is the Association regulated?
How is Genuine Jersey promoted?
How is Genuine Jersey funded?

How do I use the Genuine Jersey logo? (This section for members includes advice on how to use the distinctive Genuine Jersey logo on your packaging, products and promotional literature to ensure the brand integrity is maintained).

How do I apply to become a member of Genuine Jersey?

Individuals or companies wishing to apply to join need to complete the application form giving details about the product(s) they wish to register and how it is made. They will also need to indicate under which criteria they are applying:

designed and produced entirely in Jersey using exclusively local raw materials and skills;

designed and produced in Jersey using local skills but not necessarily of local raw materials;

produced in Jersey where a local component is the reason for the product being produced and using local skills in its production;

produced, developed, grown or reared in Jersey from imported stock but where local skill, husbandry or some other distinctive element unique to Jersey plays the predominant role in production;

restaurants may apply for membership where they have dishes on their menu which contain at least 80% local ingredients. Such dishes only may be identified on the menu with a Genuine Jersey logo.

Applications are considered by members of the management committee who meet regularly and will ask applicants to supply a profile of their product(s). Membership will only be granted for products which currently exist. It is the product, not the producer, that is permitted to carry the logo and where a member introduces new products, separate application(s) must be made although there won’t be any additional charge.

If you have any queries about membership, please contact the administrator, Peter Tabb.

How much does it cost?

Membership costs £50 a year for an individual and £100 or more a year for a company depending on the number of employees. Subscriptions are renewed in March.

What benefits do I receive from being a member?

Membership enables companies and individuals to use the distinctive Genuine Jersey logo on their packaging, products and advertising material. A professional public relations officer gives members marketing and promotional support to raise awareness of their businesses and products. The Association organises a wide range of events and activities which members are invited to take part in to maximise business opportunities. The Association also negotiates special discounted rates for special advertising promotions and offers members subsidised rates to attend certain events. Members also receive advice on branding, changes to legislation and local market conditions.

How is the association regulated?

Membership of the association is strictly regulated to ensure only those who can prove their products are genuinely Jersey are allowed to join. This may include the ingredients of a recipe, origin of a material or uniqueness of the skills involved in producing the goods. All applications have to be approved by the Management Committee which goes to great lengths to ensure every product meets the Genuine Jersey criteria before it can display the distinctive logo.

The Management Committee includes member organisations, representatives from various government departments and an independent chairman and vice-chairman.

The committee also includes a trading standards officer who works in conjunction with Genuine Jersey’s own marketing co-ordinator. They carry out spot checks on members to ensure that products continue to comply with the original terms of their licence and carry the correct packaging and labeling.

How is Genuine Jersey promoted?

The logo is predominantly displayed on a variety of different products and point of sale material. In addition, a growing number of members have chosen to use the logo on their delivery vans which are seen by the public as they travel round the Island bearing the advice: “Look for the logo before you buy”.

The association also employs a professional public relations officer who provides the local media with a regular source of stories regarding members, new products and events. The association has also produced its own pocket map which is distributed throughout the Island and locates all members including dairy farmers, road-side stalls and tourist attractions with links to Genuine Jersey.

How is Genuine Jersey funded?

In addition to members' subscriptions, the association receives a grant from the Economic Development Department. The promotion of the Genuine Jersey brand is entirely in accordance with government strategies which promote sustainability and innovation in the land use and tourism sectors.