MP makes progress in Gingerbread diplomacy bid

Local MP Tim Farron met with representatives of Sarah Nelson Grasmere Gingerbread today, to discuss their aim to trademark 'Grasmere Gingerbread,' removing the right of other Grasmere Gingerbread producers to make use of that name.

Farron secured an undertaking that Sarah Nelson's would not remove the production of gingerbread from Grasmere if they were successful in their bid and would be prepared to write such a guarantee into their trademark bid. Mr Farron also met with Mr and Mrs Bell, the proprietors of Williams of Grasmere who make and sell Grasmere Gingerbread and who are opposed to the Sarah Nelsons' trademark bid.

Mr Farron said:

"Sarah Nelson's have made a huge contribution to our local community and will continue to do so, their produce is outstanding and is clearly the leading example of Grasmere Gingerbread. However, there is strong evidence to show that gingerbread has been produced commercially in Grasmere since before the time of Sarah Nelson herself. That is why I take the view that this bid to restrict the Grasmere Gingerbread name to only one producer would be excessive and unfair."

Tim Farron will continue oppose the patent of 'Grasmere gingerbread'. He said:

"I am pleased with the progress so far, but I think that it is important we remain wary of small businesses being swallowed up."