18 May 2016
Ray McVinnie announced SPCA Blue Tick goodwill ambassador
One of New Zealand’s most respected food authorities takes on a new role
Ray McVinnie, professional chef, experienced food judge, award winning food writer, experienced food stylist and former
AUT lecturer has added the role of SPCA Blue Tick goodwill ambassador to his busy schedule.
The SPCA Blue Tick is New Zealand’s only 100 per cent independent high animal welfare accreditation scheme. SPCA Blue
Tick certifies eggs, chicken, pork and turkey products that have been farmed to the scheme’s stringent welfare
standards.
“Ray is well known and respected in the industry and we are thrilled to have him on board to help us increase awareness
of an important topic,” says SPCA Blue Tick Business Unit Manager Ségolène de Fontenay.
“With his strong network and experience, Ray is a natural fit for us to help educate people on the important work of the
SPCA Blue Tick scheme. His vote of confidence in our accreditation adds a sense of trust that we believe will resonate
with consumers,” she adds.
In his role, Ray will help educate consumers and the wider food industry on high animal welfare standards, and encourage
industry players to support the positive work of the SPCA Blue Tick scheme.
In his first engagement, Ray is doing cooking demonstrations at the Food Shows in Wellington, 20-22 May and Auckland,
28-31 July, where he will use SPCA Blue Tick approved eggs.
*The SPCA Blue Tick will also be present at the Wellington Food Show to engage with consumers wanting to learn more
about the accreditation.
Ray will also showcase SPCA Blue Tick approved products at other events, champion new initiatives and act as the face
and voice of campaigns be it PR or advertising campaign.
McVinnie says while it is important to help people, it is just as important to help animals. “I feel fortunate to be
associated with a trusted charity that has the priority of high animal welfare at its core,” he notes. “Yes, we eat
animals, but that does not mean we should exploit them. I can’t tell farmers how to farm, but by purchasing SPCA Blue
Tick approved products, I’m supporting and rewarding those who farm according to high animal welfare standards.”
Ray adds that buying products displaying the SPCA Blue Tick logo is an easy way to stand up for high animal welfare. “I
trust the SPCA and the standards compiled by their experts. Their independent auditor, AsureQuality, conducts announced
and unannounced audits, so I know it’s food I can trust, it’s a good sign of provenance and it does not contain anything
that is bad for me.”
He urges others to take a stand. “You have to do everything you can to make a difference for animals and I look forward
to helping the SPCA Blue Tick build awareness of this worthy cause.”
As part of the SPCA Blue Tick’s transparent process, the standards applied by farmers and auditors are available for
consumers to download from the SPCA Blue Tick website http://spcabluetick.org.nz
*The SPCA Blue Tick invites consumers to visit its SPCA Wellington shared stand, number 316 during the Wellington Food
Show to meet the experts and learn more about high animal welfare.
Ends