Pembrokeshire-based M&S supplier, Capestone, has been working around the clock to supply more than 160,000 turkeys and turkey crowns to M&S stores across the nation this Christmas.
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Run by fifth-generation farmer, Justin Scale, Capestone has been supplying M&S for 20 years and its business growth is intrinsically linked to this relationship. It’s also the only farm in the area that offers free range and organic products, which are growing in demand. All of the farm’s 160,000 birds this year will be the Pembrokeshire Bronze – both organic and free range.
The 2,000-acre farm started out as a small-scale farm delivering just a couple of birds at a time to M&S Carmarthen. It now supplies M&S stores across the UK and Northern Ireland and, as such, has grown to a strong team of 230 – rising to 430 over the peak Christmas period.
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The free range Pembrokeshire bronze turkeys are especially sought after because they have a naturally flavoursome taste. They grow over a longer period of time, meaning they are naturally fatter and more succulent. As free-range birds, they are fed on wild herbs, clover and flowers, as well as benefiting from being able to range on the grasses and wildlife in and around Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
The birds are housed in open sheds and are free to access the fields to range whenever they choose. Turkeys are naturally inquisitive and playful, so can often be found climbing on straw bales, up trees and on top of the sheds.
While Christmas is a busy time for the production side of the business, January and February will see the farm busy calculating the number of new birds needed from the hatchery for 2019. June onwards is peak season for the agricultural team as they rear the turkeys ready for Christmas.
Justin said:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be celebrating twenty years working with M&S. Our relationship has grown from supplying just a couple of birds at a time to providing 160,000 turkeys and turkey crowns this Christmas. It makes us really proud to know that hundreds of thousands of M&S customers will be sitting down to enjoy one of our turkeys this Christmas day.”
Lucy Herbert, Poultry Developer at M&S, said: “The quality of Justin’s produce is testament to the relationships he has built up over the years; with M&S, our customers and the next generation of farmers. Allowed to roam free in and around the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Justin’s turkeys are a prime example of quality, responsibly sourced Welsh produce that is enjoyed nationwide.
“At M&S this Christmas we’re championing our festive favourites and there’s no doubt that, for many, the Pembrokeshire bronze turkey will be the absolute centerpiece of Christmas dining. Here’s to the next twenty years of partnering with Justin and his family!”
