Major Champions Martin Kaymer, Graeme McDowell, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods will dine on a host of award-winning Welsh food and drink before they take to the fairways at The Celtic Manor Resort in The 2010 Ryder Cup (October 1-3).
This major sporting event will put Wales firmly in the global spotlight when Newport hosts The 2010 Ryder Cup, and Welsh food and drink will be on the menu for players and visitors alike.
In May a number of Welsh producers took part in a special Ryder Cup Supplier Forum to meet directly with representatives from Compass Group UK and Ireland, who are responsible for the catering at The 2010 Ryder Cup.
The event was organised as part of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Trade Development Programme, in association with food marketing specialists Levercliff. Potential suppliers were invited to the Forum by Ryder Cup Europe and its catering partners, Compass Group UK and Ireland and Mecco.
The result is nearly 40 Welsh food and drink producers* will see their produce used in the dishes devised by Ryder Cup consultant Colin Botting who has worked on major sporting events including the past five Ryder Cups and Andi Redwood, Executive Chef for Compass who oversees the catering for The Ryder Cup.
Ryder Cup Europe , who own the rights to the event when it is held in Europe, including the appointment of all suppliers, has been working with ”Team Wales” to bring Welsh flavour to the event.
Richard Hills, Ryder Cup Director, said:
“Wales is known for its quality food and traditional dishes and I’m sure the players, officials and spectators at The 2010 Ryder Cup will be looking forward to sampling what is on offer.
“The country prides itself on producing some of the best ingredients in Europe and from mouth-watering lamb to a number of celebrated cheeses, all appetites will certainly be well sated during Ryder Cup week.”
Elin Jones, the Minister for Rural Affairs said:
“I am delighted that so many Welsh food and drink companies will be taking part in such a prestigious sporting event, which is watched by millions of people around the world.
“The Ryder Cup offers Wales an unique opportunity to shine on the global stage, and the provision of quality Welsh food and drink is part of that identity. It adds to the sense of place for visitors and further raises the profile of our food and drink producers.”
Jo Willets, Retail Director, Compass Group UK & Ireland said:
“Compass is committed to working with local suppliers to provide our customers and clients with the freshest, high-quality ingredients. The Ryder Cup is a key event on the sporting calendar, providing local suppliers with the perfect opportunity to showcase the wide range of great tasting local produce Wales has to offer.”
