A celebration of all things Welsh food and drink was held today [March 1] to mark St. David’s Day, as people were urged to ‘Make it Welsh’ and enjoy the wonderful produce available from their own doorstep.
Featuring free tasters, pop-up stalls from leading Welsh brands, musical accompaniment from a local choir, as well as a guest appearance from a former Wales international rugby player, the event held at one of Tesco’s flagship Welsh stores at Talbot Green, south Wales, was a celebration that would have made St. David himself proud.
The event forms part of the annual #CaruCymruCaruBlas #LoveWalesLoveTaste campaign by Welsh Government’s Food & Drink Wales, encouraging people to appreciate the local produce available in Wales. The industry continues to be on an upward trajectory in terms of growth, but not at the expense of quality. Last year alone, almost 150 Welsh products received a prestigious ‘Great Taste Award’ – widely regarded as the world’s largest and most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme.
The producers featured at the event were Brains Brewery, Henllan Bakery, Hensol Castle Distillery. Llaeth y Llan and Peters Food. They were supported by former Wales and Cardiff rugby captain, and local Rhondda boy, Ellis Jenkins, accompanied by a medley of Welsh song provided by Côr Godre’r Garth.
Commenting on the event and campaign, Director at Henllan Bakery, Edward Moore, said,
"The #CaruCymruCaruBlas #LoveWalesLoveTaste campaign continues to grow, and is a fantastic way to show people the variety and quality of food and drink that exists close to home.
“Wales may have traditionally been known as the land of song – and rightfully so, with the wonderful singing by today’s choir – but it is increasingly making a name for itself as a leading destination for quality food and drink. Long may this continue, and I’d encourage everybody to ‘Make it Welsh’ this St. David’s Day – and beyond.”
With the event taking place at one of Tesco’s major Welsh stores in Talbot Green, Pontyclun, it has been an opportunity to highlight the diverse range of homegrown brands the retailer supports in Wales. For Nathan Edwards, Tesco’s Local Buying Manager for Wales, they are proud to support local producers and are delighted by the quality that is on offer. He said,
“It’s fantastic there’s such a vibrant food and drink industry in Wales, and we’re only too happy to play our part and support our local producers.
“It really is noticeable the variety of different produce that has become available more recently, and it shows an industry that’s happy to innovate, try new things and keep ahead with the latest trends. I’d also like to thank our local choir, Côr Godre’r Garth, for coming along and entertaining our customers with their wonderful singing. It certainly helped bring a different ambience to your normal Saturday afternoon shopping trip!”
Wales’ food and drink producers have a lot to be proud of. Thanks to the huge passion and drive of the devoted growers and producers, there is a wealth of world-renowned produce of exceptional quality and taste, with a growing number also receiving coveted Geographical Indication (GI) status, placing them on a similar level to world-renowned produce such as Champagne.
One person well acquainted with passion at the workplace, but on a rugby field rather than a more traditional growing field, is ex-Wales rugby international Ellis Jenkins. He said,
“Being a massive foodie, I was more than happy to get involved in the #CaruCymruCaruBlas #LoveWalesLoveTaste campaign to encourage people to make the most of the fantastic produce available locally in Wales.
“There is such a positive, and unique, story to tell, and whether you’re buying, cooking or eating – it makes sense to give Welsh produce a try. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.”