Euro move to keep HP in Brum

Jun 7 2006 By Neil Elkes, Birmingham Mail

HP is a brand name so closely linked to Birmingham it should be protected as much as champagne and parmesan cheese, it was claimed today.

A city councillor today launched a bid to get the European Union to insist the sauce can only be made in Birmingham.

Coun Jon Hunt (Lib Dem, Perry Barr) is looking to Europe to stop production being shipped over to Holland with the loss of 125 Birmingham jobs.

He claims the sauce is distinctly British and can only be produced in Aston and, if taken overseas, owners Heinz should be prevented from using the HP brand.

Among almost 50 UK regional foods protected by the EU are Newcastle Brown Ale, Melton Mowbray Pork Pies, Cornish Clotted Cream and Jersey Royal Potatoes.

He said: "It is a distinctive Birmingham product and everyone who has HP knows it comes from Birmingham."

He agreed that although most protected foods, such as champagne, are named after the host region, HP may still qualify.

"It is, I understand, named after the British Houses of Parliament and therefore should be manufactured only in Britain.

"They are quick to use Britishness in the advertising and promotion of HP, so we would argue that it should only be made in this country," he added.

The councillor, who took part in the Save Our Sauce march on Saturday, has now written to West Midlands Euro MP Liz Lynne asking for her help and to find out if HP qualifies for protection.

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