Last night saw the climax of the Welsh culinary calendar, the Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards 2010-11.
Held this year at the Withybush Showground in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, the Welsh Assembly Government’s annual awards reward innovation and excellence in the Welsh food and drink industry along with the retail and hospitality sectors.
Launched in 2002 the Wales the True Taste Food & Drink Awards aim to promote the best of Welsh food and drink with categories covering all areas of the food and drink production, retail and hospitality sectors.
This year’s independently judged awards saw entries from some 350 companies with products honoured ranging from traditional meat, dairy and fish to chocolate, soft fruit, mushrooms, herbs and even tea.
New this year was an award recognising the most outstanding of all the entries – the True Taste Product of the Year- which was made to Caws Teifi Cheese. A winner of numerous national and international cheese awards, the cheese is produced at Ffostrasol near Llandysul by artisan cheese producers Teifi Farmhouse Cheese.
Among the special awards presented last night was the True Taste Champion which was awarded to food writer and broadcaster Simon Wright of Carmarthenshire restaurant Y Polyn; with the Welsh Export Achievement award received by Bangor Mussel Producers Ltd.
Some companies celebrated multiple awards wins, among them Llwynhelyg Farm Shop from Sarnau in Ceredigion, Aberdovey fishmonger Gill’s Plaice, Brecon based Primrose Organic Centre, and Black Mountains Smokery Ltd of Crickhowell.
While Caws Cenarth Cheese Ltd picked up a gold award in the organic category, maintaining its incredible record of having scooped an award every year since the Wales the True Taste Awards began.
Wales’ Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones said:
“Once again the True Taste Awards have succeeded in highlighting what a vibrant and innovative food and drink industry we have, and I congratulate all those who have received awards.
“This year’s awards come as the Welsh Assembly Government prepares to publish its vision for the industry in Wales, a blue-print which will steer its path over the next ten years.
“Food for Wales, Food from Wales 2010-2020’ will set out a clear direction for those throughout the chain enabling the industry to grow in a sustainable and profitable manner over the coming decade.
“We have consulted widely on the future of the industry to ensure our new overarching Food Strategy for Wales represents the best possible way forward. It is a long-term, ambitious, and proactive agenda to address the challenges ahead for food and farming and it includes cross-cutting strategic issues such as health, food security, sustainability and rural development.
“Wales has a deservedly growing reputation for food excellence and the True Taste Awards are a tremendous showcase for the sector and are testament to the outstanding abilities and enthusiasm of those in the industry from field to plate.”
For a full list of 2010-11 winners or for more information about the Wales the True Taste Awards Food & Drink Awards 2010-11 log on to to the Wales the True Taste Awards website.
