Get your wild venison certified.
Access new and growing markets, build buyer confidence and prove your quality.
The British Quality Wild Venison (BQWV) standard is the only independently assessed, traceable certification for wild venison producers and processors in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Britain’s wild deer population has grown significantly in recent decades. Managing it responsibly protects our woodlands, farmland, and biodiversity. The venison that deer management produces is one of the most sustainable sources of meat available in the UK.
For wild venison to reach its potential, buyers need confidence. Retailers, caterers, and public-sector buyers are increasingly asking for independently verified assurance of traceability, food safety, and handling standards. BQWV certification is how producers and processors demonstrate exactly that, and how the sector builds the stable, consistent market that British wild venison deserves.
What BQWV certification means for you
BQWV certification is a trusted quality mark that demonstrates to customers the high standards your business operates at.
Access to new markets
Meet the standards supermarkets, restaurants, caterers, and public sector buyers increasingly require and position your quality venison in a growing market.
Buyer confidence
Show that your venison is sustainably sourced, well handled, food safe, and independently verified. Giving buyers at every level of the supply chain a clear reason to choose you.
Full traceability
Every certified carcass is traceable from field to facility, providing the transparency buyers expect and the supply chain integrity processors need.
A trusted quality mark
Backed by leading sector bodies, the BQWV mark is a signal of quality, food safety, and responsible sourcing across the wild venison supply chain.
Are you a producer or a processor?
Producers
Helping deer stalkers, estates, and landowners certify wild venison and demonstrate best practice handling and product quality.
Processors
For AGHEs and local processors, BQWV Certification gives your customers the assurance they need and positions you for growth.
Getting certified is straightforward
Certification is open to all producers and processors in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. There are two routes depending on the size of your operation.
Step 1: Apply
Apply through Intertek SAI Global. Smaller scale producers join the BASC-run Group Scheme.
Step 2: Assessment
An independent assessor checks your operation against the BQWV Standard for handling, traceability, and food safety.
Step 3: Certification
On approval, use your certificate and BQWV mark for promotion, and be listed in the members directory.
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