Artisan food and drink producers are taking to the high street as part of a new retail initiative to promote local produce this Christmas.
Deli Myrddin gan Cywain (Merlin’s Deli by Cywain) will open its doors at a prime location in Carmarthen’s St Catherine’s Walk over two peak festive shopping weekends (December 6th-8th & 13th-15th).
More than 20 new and growing Welsh food and drink businesses will be featured in the pop-up shop, which is the creation of Cywain – a business-led programme dedicated to developing new and existing micro-businesses and SMEs in the Welsh food and drink sector.
Says Cywain Development Manager, Lowri Edwards, “We are delighted to be given the opportunity by St Catherine’s Walk Shopping Centre to open a pop-up shop in Carmarthen over the festive season.
“It is a fantastic opportunity for producers raise awareness of local food and drink and for the public to try and buy a range of delicious and diverse produce.”
She adds, “From Cywain’s perspective, Deli Myrddin is also an important business milestone as we are celebrating ten years since Menter a Busnes launched the programme to focus on maximising opportunities and growth potential.”
To maximise attention on those enterprises taking part, the featured producers will be spread over the two weekends – creating an enticing prospect for shoppers looking for something different this Christmas.
John Nash, Centre Manager at St Catherine’s Walk Shopping Centre, said:
“For small, agile businesses hoping to make their mark, “Pop-Up” shops offer an opportunity to try out a new concept, product or service with maximum flexibility in a commercial environment. The temporary nature of the space adds a sense of urgency to visit, while the new concepts in cuisine or wares for sale arouse curiosity.
“This is a golden opportunity for them to introduce their brands, present their product/service and share their business values with our shoppers. It could be the beginning of a beautiful long-term relationship.”
The Deli Myrddin gan Cywain initiative also has the full support of Carmarthenshire’s Local Action Group*.
Deli Myrddin gan Cywain will be officially opened on Friday, December 6th by S4C’s ‘Heno’ presenter Mari Grug, and a variety of additional food and cultural activities are planned for both weekends.
Said Mari, “I’m delighted to officially open Deli Myrddin gan Cywain. This initiative in Carmarthen town center is a great example of collaboration between Cywain and St. Catherine’s Walk Shopping Centre and gives local food and drink businesses a fantastic platform.
“Here’s an opportunity to celebrate the fact that we have such quality produce here in Wales and it’s great to see projects like Cywain supporting these businesses by offering them exciting opportunities like this.”
There will be cooking demonstrations and sampling by Nerys Howell and Lisa Fearn on both weekends.
Deli Myrddin will be a hub for entertainment too with festive music on the opening day courtesy of the children from Ysgol y Dderwen.
On the weekend of December 13-15th singing duo, brothers Ynyr and Eurig Roberts – aka Brigyn – will showcase their new album ‘Lloer’.
There will be literary offerings from three Welsh authors, who will be holding book signings at Deli Myrddin: Huw Chiswell (‘Shwd ma’i yr hen ffrind’), Alun Lenny ‘Byw ffwl pelt’, (Hunangofiant Alun Lenny), and Ceri Lloyd (‘O’r Pridd i’r Plat’)
Deli Myrddin gan Cywain will be open Fridays & Saturdays 10am – 5.30pm, and Sundays 10am – 4pm at Number 8 St Catherine’s Walk, Carmarthen.
