‘A model for the rest of Wales’ – that’s how a Pembrokeshire website selling more than 2,000 fresh local products has been described by the Minister of Rural Affairs, AM Elin Jones.
The website www.pembrokeshireproducedirect.co.uk allows customers to order local food and drink on the internet and have it delivered directly to their door.
The groundbreaking initiative – the only one of its kind in Wales – is one of Pembrokeshire‘s success stories of the past 12 months.
As well as scooping three major awards, the number of producers has almost doubled, and orders have been received from as far afield as London, Derby and Newcastle.
The co-operative of over 70 West Wales food producers is based at Bethesda, near Narberth.
Visiting on Thursday, Minister AM Elin Jones said she was very impressed.
“Other places in Wales can learn from this,” she said. “The connection between local producers and customers is very good; they can have 100% confidence that the produce they’re buying is local.
She added: “Pembrokeshire is an ideal location for this kind of business. The county has a wide range of producers, from horticultural to livestock, meat and dairy, and much more.”
James Ross, General Manager, said that since their launch in June 2009, they have made 2,500 deliveries to customers from Cardigan to Caldey Island and from Little Newcastle to Newcastle Upon Tyne.
“It means that you can do all your shopping from local producers from the comfort of your own home,” he said.
“We believe passionately in supporting our community and environment. Our aim is to give everyone in West Wales the opportunity to buy beautifully fresh local produce and have it delivered direct to their door.”
The website’s products range from local cheese, meat, fish, bread and vegetables to dairy produce, preserves, confectionary, delicatessen goods, bottled drinks, and many more.
Latest additions to the range include Caerfai Organic Cheese from St Davids and Cegin Dan-y-Mynydd and A La Vegetarian both of whom offer a full range of vegetarian food. Also new is Milton Fish Shop, which offers a full range of fresh and frozen fish.
Geraint Bowen, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said the not-for-profit business has seen a steady increase in trade. “We are all delighted with the progress the business has made in its first year,” he said.
Pembrokeshire Produce Direct has won True Taste Online Retailer of the Year 2009/10 (Gold), True Taste Local Sourcing Initiative 2009/10 (Bronze) and the Pembrokeshire Produce Mark award for ‘Best Marketing of Pembrokeshire Produce 2009′.
