In the run-up to Pancake Day (13th February 2024), shoppers are being encouraged to ‘get drizzling’ Welsh honey on their traditional favourite.
Among the most versatile and simple dishes, pancakes – hot or cold - can be eaten in various ways, but what could be more satisfying than a topping of luxurious Welsh honey?
As Pancake Day approaches, a group of Welsh honey producers and retailers have teamed up to give shoppers the ‘me’ factor with Welsh honey tastings and promotions in independent SPAR stores across North Wales.
Shoppers will hear first-hand from Welsh honey producers about the skills and passion that make such luxurious and natural products and how they are the perfect pancake accompaniment – at any time of the year.
Customers will also be encouraged to share their experiences using the
#CaruCymruCaruBlas #LoveWalesLoveTaste hashtags.
The producers are members of the Food & Drink Wales Honey Cluster, part of the Welsh Government’s Clustering initiative which fosters connections between businesses in the sector. The Honey Cluster has collaborated with the Welsh Government’s Food and Drink Trade Development Programme to promote Welsh honey to a range of retailers. Cluster members taking part in the Pancake Day activities include Gwenynfa Pen y Bryn Apiary, The Snowdonia Honey Co. and Bee Welsh Honey Company.
Honey Cluster Lead Haf Wyn Hughes said, “The Honey Cluster is dedicated to raising the profile and production of Welsh honey, and we do that by bringing together beekeepers with a business vision and ambition to grow.
“An important part of the Honey Cluster’s work is to seek opportunities to promote Welsh honey, and we have been working closely with the Trade Development programme to engage with retailers to showcase products in their stores and get people thinking about purchasing Welsh honey. There is always a ‘buzz’ around Pancake Day – so it is the ideal day!”
Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd, said: “It is great to see Welsh honey producers and independent retailers taking part in this initiative to showcase their products – and Pancake Day is the excellent opportunity to reach out to potential new customers.
“The Cluster programme is important in bringing growing and like-minded businesses together to build connections and take advantage of opportunities. The Honey Cluster has collaborated with the Welsh Government Food and Drink Trade Development Programme, which works with retailers to develop initiatives and help increase market share.”
Carys Edwards from Gwenynfa Pen y Bryn Apiary said, “We are grateful to the Honey Cluster for putting together the promotion for Pancake Day. We look forward to working with all the SPAR stores and engaging with local shoppers to find out how they will serve their honey on their pancakes.”
Shane Jones from Bee Welsh Honey Company said, “We can’t think of a better occasion than Pancake Day to try something new with our delicious Bee Welsh Honey. Making our products available in a range of SPAR shops is a really exciting opportunity for us, and we look forward to playing our part in this fantastic promotion.”
Proving honey isn’t just for Pancake Day; Welsh honey will continue to have a prominent place in the stores as the display units have been designed to be used all year round for retailers to showcase their range of Welsh honey.
Alun Allcock from The Snowdonia Honey Co said, “We at The Snowdonia Honey Co are delighted to work with independently owned SPAR shops across North Wales to promote our delicious Welsh Honey. It’s a great opportunity to encourage shoppers to celebrate Pancake Day and discover something new in their local store.”
Gwyn Williams, owner of SPAR Tywyn, said, “It’s great to be working with Welsh honey suppliers for this promotion. We always try to bring new and exciting things to our loyal shoppers.”
“Welsh products are key to making our business attractive for our valued local customers. What could be better than Welsh honey to celebrate Pancake Day,” said Mark Prust - SPAR Llanfyllin
Elfed Roberts, who runs the SPAR stores in Nefyn, Llanbedrog, and Abersoch, believes working together on such promotion is important.
He said, “We are delighted to be working with the Honey Cluster and Welsh honey suppliers for this Pancake Day promotion.”
The Welsh honey showcase will also be used to sign-post shoppers to other in-store Welsh products connected with Pancake Day celebrations, including eggs, dairy, and bakery goods.
SPAR Llanrwst and Penmaenmawr general manager Phil Griffiths said, “Our shops are owned by a local family and are at the heart of the community and continuing to add new and interesting products is what helps us to remain relevant to our valued customers. Welsh honey and pancakes is a great way to engage shoppers, and we are really looking forward to the promotion.”
Conrad Davies of SPAR Pwllheli and Dolgellau agreed, “It’s great to work with the Honey Cluster and the Welsh honey suppliers for this Honey / Pancake Day promotion. We really value working with local suppliers, and it’s one of the things that makes our business different and helps to keep our customers coming back.”