General Membership Questions
1. What is Food Drink Devon and what does it do?

Food Drink Devon is a non-profit Community Interest Company and dedicated membership organisation that promotes Devon's food and drink businesses over various media platforms. We showcase Devon as a county where fantastic quality, seasonal, and local produce is standard. We are a fast-growing organisation with over 370 members representing some of Devon's finest producers, retailers, and hospitality venues.

  • Our aim: We will support and develop our food and drink community of purpose-led businesses, enabling and encouraging them to thrive independently and together.
  • In these changing times, we will help to improve skills, build resilience and collectively promote our outstanding produce and county wherever possible, underpinned by our pillars of Quality, Provenance and Sustainability.
2. Who can join Food Drink Devon

We have two types of membership: one for businesses working within Food and Drink, hospitality, retail, and producers and a second that’s a supporter membership for companies that can help a Food and drink Business thrive with their expertise, e.g., marketing, accounting, coaching, etc.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a member?

Becoming a member of Food Drink Devon offers a variety of benefits designed to support and promote food and drink businesses across the region. These include:

  • Increased Exposure & Marketing Support – Gain visibility through our extensive marketing channels, including our website, social media, and printed materials. Members also benefit from PR opportunities and potential press coverage.
  • Networking & Collaboration – Join a thriving community of like-minded businesses, attend exclusive networking events, and collaborate with fellow food and drink producers, retailers, and hospitality professionals.
  • Use of the Food Drink Devon Brand – Display the prestigious Food Drink Devon logo, recognized as a mark of quality and excellence in the industry.
  • Events & Trade Shows – Participate in industry events, trade shows, and festivals that provide opportunities to showcase products and services to a wider audience.
  • Business Support & Advice – Access expert advice, resources, and workshops tailored to help your business grow and thrive in a competitive market.
  • Awards & Recognition – Enter the Food Drink Devon Awards, which celebrate excellence in the sector and offer valuable recognition for businesses.
  • Referral Discounts – Benefit from our referral scheme, allowing members to save on their annual fees by introducing new businesses to the network.

By joining Food Drink Devon, you’ll be part of a passionate and supportive community dedicated to celebrating and promoting the very best of Devon’s food and drink industry.

4. How do I join?

Visit the homepage and find the 'Becme a member' section. You can choose the online application specific to your required membership. Membership typically takes 5 days to complete.

5. If I am a new business in my first year of trading, can I still join Food Drink Devon?

Yes, we have various members, from start-ups to million-plus turnover businesses.

6. What types of memberships do you offer?

We offer two memberships: a ‘Food & Drink Membership’ for food and drink producers, hospitality, wholesalers, distributors, and food retailers, and a Supporter membership for businesses that provide a service to food and drink businesses.

7. How much does membership cost?

The membership fee is based on your annual turnover. But we do offer monthly or yearly membership payment options.

Services & Benefits
1. What events, resources, or services are included in my membership?

Online portal of resources, access to workshops, networking, spotlight features online and in the newsletter for exposure, and competitions to help grow your databases.

2. Do members get discounts on events or products?

Most events for members are free; those that need to be charged are at a discounted rate.

3. How can I access members-only resources?

Once you are a member, you will receive login details to the member's portal. Here, you can find members' news, supporter member discounts and access resources.

4. Are there networking opportunities available to members?

Yes, we hold several a year, from network evenings to coffee mornings across Devon, to ensure you can widen your network of contacts.

Membership Management
1. Does the membership run from the start of the calendar year?

The membership starts when you sign up and runs for 12 months before renewal is due.

2. Can I become a member if I have been one in the past?

Yes, we welcome back any old members. We don’t keep records of old memberships. Please complete the application form online, and we can set up your profiles and accounts again. This also ensures we have all up-to-date contact details for communication.

3. Can I become a member if my business is not Food and Drink?

If your business can support a Food and Drink business, you are welcome to join as a supporter member.

4. Can I pay for membership in monthly instalments?

Yes, we have a monthly option. You can select this when you apply. If you are a member currently paying annual membership and would like to move to monthly, please let membership@fooddrinkdevon.co.uk at your renewal. We will then send a direct debit link to set this up.

5. How do I renew my membership?

Renewing your Food Drink Devon membership is a simple process. Follow these steps to ensure uninterrupted access to all member benefits:

  • Renewal Notification—Three months before your membership expires, you will receive an email renewal reminder with details on how to proceed with payment.
  • Review Your Membership Details – Ensure your contact and business details are current. If any changes are needed, update them through your member account or contact our team directly.
  • Payment Options – You can renew your membership by:
    - Paying securely online through the link provided in your renewal email.
    - Making a bank transfer (details will be included in your renewal invoice).
    - Contact us to arrange an alternative payment method if needed.
  • Referral Discounts—If you successfully refer new members, your discount will be applied to your renewal invoice automatically.
  • Confirmation of Renewal – Once payment is received, you will receive a confirmation email, and your membership benefits will continue seamlessly for another year.
6. What happens if my membership lapses?

If your Food Drink Devon membership lapses, you will temporarily lose access to the benefits and support provided by the organisation. Here’s what happens:

  • 1. Loss of Member Benefits – You will no longer have access to member-exclusive opportunities, including marketing support, networking events, promotional activities, and use of the Food Drink Devon branding.
  • 2. Removal from Member Listings – Your business will be removed from the Food Drink Devon websites, directory, and other promotional materials, reducing your visibility and potential business opportunities.
  • 3. Referral Discounts Expire—If you received referral discounts for introducing new members, they will no longer be applicable once your membership lapses.
  • 4. Rejoining After Lapse – If you wish to rejoin after your membership expires, you must go through the application process again and pay the full membership fee. Referral discounts from previous years will not carry over.

We recommend renewing your membership before the expiry date to avoid any disruption. If your membership has lapsed and you want to reinstate it, please contact membship@fooddrinkdevon.co.uk for assistance.

We don’t keep records of old memberships, so once your membership . Please complete the application form online, and we can set up your profiles and accounts again.

7. How do I cancel my membership?
  • To cancel your Food Drink Devon membership, please email membership@fooddrinkdevon.co.uk with at least one month’s notice, as required by your membership agreement.
  • We would greatly appreciate any feedback you can provide, as it helps us improve our services and continue supporting Devon’s food and drink community. Your insights are invaluable in shaping the future of Food Drink Devon.
  • If you have any questions or need assistance during the cancellation process, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help.
8. Can I get a refund if I decide to leave the organisation?
  • As per our terms and conditions, Food Drink Devon memberships are contracted for a full 12-month period. If you choose to leave before the end of your membership term, no refunds will be issued.
  • For members paying via monthly subscription, the remaining balance for the full 12-month term will still be payable.
  • If you have any questions regarding your membership or payments, please contact us at membership@fooddrinkdevon.co.uk, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
9. How does Food Drink Devon communicate with members?

Food Drink Devon keeps members informed and engaged through a variety of communication channels, ensuring they stay up to date with industry news, events, and opportunities. These include:

  • Email Updates & Newsletters – Regular emails and newsletters provide necessary updates, upcoming events, marketing opportunities, and industry insights.
  • Social media – Follow us on our social media platforms for real-time updates, member highlights, and industry news.
  • Website & Member Portal – Our website serves as a hub for news, resources, and exclusive member content.
  • Networking Events & Meetings – We host regular coffee mornings and networking events, allowing members to connect, share ideas, and stay informed.
  • Direct Contact—Our team is always available via phone or email for questions, support, or feedback.

We strive to keep communication clear, relevant, and beneficial to all members. If you have any preferences or suggestions regarding how we communicate, please let us know!

Involvement & Contributions
1. Can members volunteer or take part as Board Directors?

Yes! The Board of Directors is reviewed annually, and we welcome members who have valuable expertise or a passion for contributing to Food Drink Devon’s growth and success. If you have a particular skill set or specialism that could benefit the board, we encourage you to get in touch. For more information or to express your interest, please contact us at Tom@fooddrinkdevon.co.uk. We’d love to hear from you!

2. How can I share feedback or suggestions?

Please get in touch with our membership manager, email membership@fooddrinkdevon.co.uk

3. Are there opportunities for members to present or speak at events?

Yes, we welcome input from our supporter member community, if you feel you have a topic that would be useful to the community, get in touch with the membership manager to put forward your proposal.

4. Can I promote my business/services to other members?

Yes, we have a member newsletter in which you can share your news. Your member profile is a way of letting other members and b2b know what you are about and how you might be able to help.

Technical & Access Information
1. I forgot my login details for the members portal; how can I reset my password?

Please go to the 'Member Login' page and click on 'Forgot your password?'. This will send you an email to reset your password.

2. How do I update my contact or payment information?

Please email membership@fooddrinkdevon.co.uk

3. I’m having trouble accessing a members-only feature. What should I do?

Ensure you are logged into your profile on the members' website. This will give you access to the members-only features. If you are still having issues please email membership@fooddrinkdevon.co.uk for support.