Food and drink producers across Wales have been recognised at this year’s Great Taste Awards, proving Wales’ reputation for producing fresh, quality and tasty food and drink products.
174 food and drink businesses of all sizes from across Wales have been named as the top food and drink producers in the world at the awards, which are describes as the ‘Oscars of the food world’. Among them, 12 Welsh products were presented with Great Taste 3-Star awards – the most sought-after seal of approval in the industry and one that only three percent of products are awarded each year.
New Quay Honey Farm / Afon Mêl in Ceredigion was commended for its luxurious, smoky and fermented Heather Mead which received the highest accolade, The Golden Fork Award as well as a 3-Star Great Taste Award.
Halen Môn (Anglesey Sea Salt) collected two 3-Star awards for its smoky Dijon mustard and oak-smoked sea salt.
Additional 3-Star awards went to Slade Farm Organics in south Wales for its pork shoulder, Carmarthen Dairy Products for its soft COPA Blue cheese and whiskey-flavoured ice cream from Ceredigion-based Conti’s Ice Cream.
Five of the Welsh winners were alcoholic beverages and spirits; an ode to the rising and booming drinks sector in Wales. These include Pirate Bay IPA from Cold Black Label, Seidr y Mynydd’s Keeved Bottle-Conditioned Cider, Da Mhile Apple Brandy and Carmarthen-based organic Jin Talog gin.
Congratulating all Welsh food and drink producers and winners of this year’s Great Taste Awards, Andy Richardson, Chair of the Food and Drink Industry Board, said: “As a nation, Wales does food and drink well and it’s evident that the judges feel the same way. As the demand for Welsh products continues to grow I would like to congratulate all the Welsh winners for consistently achieving high standards.”
Since 2014, the food and drink sector in Wales has grown rapidly, with annual sales of £6.8 billion in 2018, putting it well on target to reach the ambitious £7 billion target for 2020, as laid out in the Welsh Government’s action plan for 2014-2020.
Wales is now looking to continue its success with a second stage action plan for 2020-2026 which is being co-created between industry and Welsh Government. Producers, manufacturers and retailers are currently being asked to share their insight and views on the food and drink action plan consultation which will close on October 15th.
All feedback provided will help the Welsh Government and The Food and Drink Wales Industry Board shape the second action plan and will continue to prove Wales’ dedication to producing high quality and globally renowned food and drink products.
If you are interested in shaping the future of the Welsh food and drink industry, share your food for thought here: https://gov.wales/developing-wales-food-and-drink-sector
To view the full list of this year’s 2019 Great Taste Awards Winners, visit: https://greattasteawards.co.uk
