There are all manner of benefits to granting produce Protected Food Status, an expert has identified.

Not only does it help encourage people to buy from local suppliers, but also helps maintain a sense of heritage, said Matthew O'Callaghan, chairman of the UK Protected Food Names Association.

"It's about saying to people that we have some of the best food in the world and we ought to be protecting it and we ought to be shouting about it," he explained.

Mr O'Callaghan noted that a campaign got underway to protect the Melton Mowbray pork pie some years ago, mainly because some suppliers were offering cheap imitations that did not even use fresh meat.

A number of products have been granted Protected Geographical Indication status in the UK, including the Cornish pasty and Newcastle Brown Ale.

Other special protection measures that can be applied for include Protected Designation of Origin and Traditional Speciality Guaranteed.