Vickery said: “I am proud to be an ambassador for British Sausage Week 2014. With a farming background and also being a keen cook myself British Sausage Week is a cause close to my heart.
“This year we are encouraging you all to join us in our celebration of Britain’s sausages.
“Versatile, great tasting and also great value, sausages are the perfect option for the whole family to enjoy. So join me in celebrating the best of our British bangers.”
BPEX foodservice trade manager, Tony Goodger, added: “It’s fantastic to be able to work with someone with such enthusiasm and knowledge about British produce. Phil’s high profile will certainly help to put quality sausages at the forefront of people’s minds.
“British Sausage Week provides chefs and caterers with the perfect opportunity to celebrate the taste, quality and diversity of the traditional sausage.
“With over 500 sausage varieties in Britain, the Week provides a fun and lively way to promote the great tradition of sausage eating in Britain.
“Quality remains key, however, and we would urge caterers to source sausages made from farm assured pork covered by a scheme such as Red Tractor to satisfy customer concerns regarding quality, provenance and taste. This in turn will increase loyalty and sales.”
Having been raised on a farm in Devon, the sporting legend knows all too well about issues such as quality, food safety and animal welfare. And, since retiring from professional rugby in 2010, Vickery has become an official ambassador for the Prince’s Countryside Fund, maintaining his interest in and commitment to supporting farming and rural issues.