The owner of a family-run farm shop is encouraging people in Flintshire to continue to buy local in order to support the wider community.
Swans Farm Shop, based in Treuddyn, was opened by husband and wife Clive and Gail on their 200-acre farm 18 years ago.
Swans Farm Shop has remained open throughout lockdown, which has enabled its supply chain to continue selling products where it otherwise may have closed.
The farm shop, which has extended its product range for some brands, stocks Flintshire producers and manufacturers including beers from Hafod Brewery, gin from Angel Feathers and jams and chutneys from Mostyn.
In addition, it sells meat reared on its farm and a wide selection of pies and cakes made onsite.
Gail said: “Our customers are so important to us and we want to thank them. They’ve helped us support our supply chain and keep the amazing brands in Flintshire and the surrounding areas going despite a difficult year with lockdown.
“With Hafod Brewery, we now stock every flavour of beer and with some of our brands we’ve increased their sales six-fold.
“Our customers are not only supporting us, but other local suppliers and businesses; it’s one big circle.
“We have food miles stickers in the shop which show the customer where the product is from as well as a map which features all the local businesses I’m able to support because of their custom.
“We’ve tried to make life as easy as possible when you visit us, increasing our range and including core cupboard ingredients so people can stay local, make less trips and do their shopping in one place.”
Due to an increase in sales and demand, Swans Farm Shop has also taken on an apprentice butcher.
Gail added: “A lot of farm shops source their meat from elsewhere, but we’re different.
“We rear the meat on our 200-acre farm, feeding the cattle crops we have grown.
“We encourage people to find out where their food comes from. We have products for vegans, but we’ve noticed a trend in people returning to eating meat because we’re able to show them it’s had a good natural life.
“We haven’t had a day off in over a year, but it’s been worth it. Our customers have been a real support to us and likewise we’ve been a support to them, so we want to say a huge thank you.
“Supporting the community, helping other businesses and keeping our staff safe throughout the pandemic has been one of our proudest moments.”
