The summer heatwave has seen ice-cream sales boosted at a Welsh centre of excellence in the Conwy Valley.
Newly introduced flavours based on traditional recipes are proving the most popular with visitors to Bodnant Welsh Food Centre, said Managing Director Chris Morton.
“North Wales in general and the Conwy Valley in particular are always a fantastic place to come and visit and this glorious sunshine is a fantastic bonus.
“Here at Bodnant Welsh Food, we have had a bumper year so far with footfall and revenue both up on last year – and the signs are that we are going to continue on this upwards trajectory.
“One thing that is proving exceedingly popular as the weather hots up is the range of ice creams we make in our own dairy and which are sold in the centre’s tearooms, Hayloft restaurant and the farm shop.
“Visitors say our new Tutti Frutti ice-cream, based on an old recipe, reminds them of their childhood, playing on the beach.
“Also selling very fast is our new Coconut Ripple along with Bodnant Rose – inspired by the roses growing in the neighbouring Bodnant gardens and Bodnant Beauty, a mix of sweet Morello cherries, Amaretti biscuits and rich Belgian chocolate.
“We have a growing and loyal local customer base and in addition, we’re close to nearly a quarter of the UK population here in North Wales so we are an ideal place for people to escape to.
“Since we were officially opened by the Prince of Wales, Bodnant Welsh Food has given visitors yet another reason to visit North Wales.
“We were proud to be Welsh Retailer of the Year in the prestigious Farm Shop and Deli Awards – dubbed the industry’s Oscars – and that we are doing our bit to boost the visitor economy here.”
The centre, which is just about to mark its third anniversary, has its own dairy making cheese and ice cream, plus an on-site farm shop with bakery and butchery, with award-winning pies. There’s also a wine store and tea rooms plus the Hayloft restaurant and farmhouse accommodation.
More details at bodnant-welshfood.co.uk
