Welsh food and drink businesses have been busy flying the flag for Wales showcasing their produce at a series of events across the UK to celebrate St David’s Day 2020 (Sunday 1st March).
To promote the broad spectrum of Welsh food and drink on offer, from cheese to chocolate, beer to brownies, some of Wales’ best producers have been present at pop-up stands at some of the UK’s busiest train stations.
Last week food and drink producers from Wales took over Manchester Piccadilly (Friday 28th February), where Snowdonia Cheese Company, Flawsome soft drinks, Shelly’s Shortbread and Gower Brewery, among others, were some of the producers offering samples and nibbles for commuters.
And as the gateway to Wales, Paddington Station also welcomed a host of Welsh producers including Radnor Hills, Gower Cottage Brownies and Daioni Organic milk, all of whom were banging the drum for Wales on Monday 2nd March.
And finally, Grey Trees brewery, Cwm Farm Charcuterie, Caws Cenarth and Aber Falls Distillery all represented Wales at Birmingham New Street station on Wednesday 4th March.
The St David’s Day celebrations formed part of the Welsh Government’s #ThisisWales #GwladGwlad campaign, ensuring Wales and its first-class produce were centre stage on St David’s Day.
Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, who attended the event at Paddington Station, London, said: “Wales should be extremely proud of its diverse and burgeoning food and drink sector and there is no better occasion than St David’s Day to celebrate it.
“At the start of this year we announced a record annual turnover figure of £7.47bn for the sector, a year ahead of schedule, which represents growth of 30% in the sector since 2014.
“Our food and drink is exported and enjoyed worldwide, with sought-after ingredients from iconic Welsh lamb to the purest salt from Wales chosen by top chefs to feature on their menus.
“This year’s St David’s Day events have put Wales’ food and drink industry on the map and will reinforce the quality and value of Welsh produce outside of Wales.”
In order to encourage people to celebrate St David’s Day at home Food & Drink Wales, Welsh Government’s Food Division, created a bank of recipe ideas using the best of Welsh produce throughout.
The dishes include a warming leek and potato soup featuring Caerphilly Cheese and laverbread flakes, the ultimate rack of Welsh lamb centrepiece and a spring inspired Welsh honey custard with Welsh cake crumble and rhubarb dessert, plus a selection of side dishes.
The recipes are available online at: This is a celebration. This is Wales.