Welsh food and drink producers are showcasing their goods this festive season through the medium of song, with a special rendition of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’.
As part of the Welsh Government’s Food and Drink Wales #CaruCymruCaruBlas #LoveWalesLoveTaste campaign to encourage shoppers to buy Welsh products this Christmas, a host of producers took part in videos featuring a specially adapted version of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’.
The bi-lingual vocals were performed by a group of South Wales singers – and the eight-strong male voice group came together especially for the #CaruCymruCaruBlas Christmas campaign.
They are members of C.Ô.R (Côr Osian Rowlands), a mixed choir originally formed to raise money for the 2015 Caerphilly Urdd Eisteddfod. The choir now undertake various choral projects, including film soundtracks and charitable events.
The #CaruCymruCaruBlas version of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ was arranged by the choir’s conductor Osian Rowlands and recorded at Capel Salem in Canton, Cardiff.
The producers have recorded ‘Nadolig Llawen/Merry Christmas’ videos which, along with ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ videos can also be found on social media by searching the #CaruCymruCaruBlas #LoveWalesLoveTaste hashtags - or by folllowing this link https://businesswales.gov.wales/foodanddrink/LoveWalesLoveTaste
The participating companies* are drawn from across Wales and the food and drink sector, and include small, artisan producers as well as larger businesses.
The Welsh Government’s Food and Drink Wales #CaruCymruCaruBlas campaign was initially launched in the summer of 2020 as a way of thanking those working around the clock to feed the nation during the coronavirus pandemic.
Embraced by businesses from across Wales’ food and drink sectors #CaruCymruCaruBlas caught the public’s imagination and attracted celebrity support across social media.
When eating out and shopping for Christmas, people are urged to seek out Welsh food and drink products. A wealth of Welsh produce is readily available on menus, at supermarkets and high street retailers – also online using tools such as the Welsh producers’ map created by Cywain (cywain.cymru).
Lesley Griffiths, the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd said: “#CaruCymruCaruBlas began as a ‘thank you’ to those in the Welsh food and drink industry. But it has grown to become an eye-catching and novel way to showcase Wales’ vibrant food and drink sector and some of the wonderful products available.
“There is a fantastic amount of choice when buying in shops or online, and when eating out. I hope that this Christmas people will support Welsh businesses during what is a hugely important time for food and drink producers.”