Game supplier Rick Bestwick Ltd, specialist in game to the retailers, has secured an industry first by agreeing a deal to feature The New Forest Marque on packs of Wild Venison. The meat, all supplied from Forestry Commission sustainably managed woodlands, is processed and packed at the Bestwick factory in Derbyshire.

The stylish new packaging, a joint venture between Rick Bestwick Ltd and the Forestry Commission, and featuring stunning photography of the managed woodlands includes Forest Stewardship Council certification and the Forestry Commission logo.

Further products in the range, including Wild Scottish Venison, Wild Venison and Diced Game, will also carry the FSC and Forestry Commission logo. Two additional products, Wild Boar and Rabbit, complete a comprehensive game range.

Rick Bestwick, Managing Director of Rick Bestwick Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be the first to feature the New Forest Marque on our packs of Wild Venison, which will also carry the FSC certification. HRH the Prince of Wales congratulated us on producing the first meat product in the world to attain this certification. Sourcing wild game from these sustainably managed woodlands remains vitally important to us because we can continue to give full traceability from forest to fork.”

Alexia Robinson, of Game-to-Eat, the campaign set up to increase awareness of game said: “Sales of game show phenomenal growth with a 46% increase from 2004 to 2006. With this innovative packaging from Rick Bestwick and its links with the Forestry Commission, the company is adding value to an already successful brand. With this industry first we hope to see further increases to game sales through the supermarkets.”