Frequently Asked Questions About Membership

The association is growing and now stands at 88. Our membership has 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 mark 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?

If you are interested in becoming a Member please read the Charter and then complete and return the application form along with your subscription fee (your cheque will only be banked if your application is accepted). An officer from the Association will arrange to visit you to view your production method and confirm that your goods are ‘Genuine Jersey’. Providing your goods meet the strict criteria, you will be formally invited to join the Association shortly afterwards.

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 , John Garton.

How much does it cost?

Membership fees range from £78 a year for an individual up to £780 a year for a company depending on the number of employees. Subscriptions are renewed in January. Please see application form for details.

What benefits do I receive from being a member?

Membership enables companies and individuals to:

use the distinctive Genuine Jersey mark on their packaging, products and advertising material.
access a professional public relations team who gives members PR advice to raise awareness of their businesses and products.
attend a wide range of events and activities to maximise business opportunities.
access special discounted rates for advertising promotions and subsidised rates to attend certain events.

Members also receive advice on branding, promotional mechanics, changes to legislation and local market conditions.

Members can also benefit by joining the Associations Commercial Combined Insurance Policy offered through and with the support of Islands Insurance. This scheme is for Members with turn over of less than £250k per annum. There are 4 levels of cover:

Level 1. Public & Product Liability cover of £2,500,000 – annual premium £0 (zero) for Members due to the generous support from Islands Insurance.

Level 2. Public & Product Liability cover of £5,000,000 – annual premium £35 for Members.

Level 3. Public & Product Liability cover of £2,500,000 plus stock in trade and business equipment cover of £5,000 – annual premium £60 for Members.

Level 4. Public & Product Liability cover of £5,000,000 plus stock in trade and business equipment cover of £10,000 – annual premium £110 for Members.

Optional cover extensions of Employers’ Liability and Commercial Legal Protection are also available. Members interested in joining this scheme need to complete this form and return it to Islands Insurance. Members will need to opt in each year and will receive their own insurance certificate.

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 mark.

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 CEO. 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 mark before you buy”.

The association also employs a professional public relations company which 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 States of Jersey Economic Development Department. The promotion of the Genuine Jersey brand is in accordance with government strategies which promote sustainability and innovation in the land use and tourism sectors.