Abergavenny Photograph © Ben Salter
Food and drink producers are celebrating their success in the Oscars of the Welsh food industry, Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards 2009/10.
The awards were presented on November 19 in a ceremony in Abergavenny’s historic Market Hall hosted by award-winning television and radio presenter Sarah Dickins.
Now in their eighth year, the Welsh Assembly Government-managed awards reflect the increased demands from consumers for locally sourced produce. The 2009/10 awards has seen some 860 entries from over 400 companies.
The independently judged awards were founded to recognise and reward quality and innovation across the food and drink and hospitality sectors.
This year there were 18 award categories catering for all areas of the food and drink production, retail and hospitality sectors as well as a new Export Achievement Category, which was won by The Anglesey Sea Salt Company.
Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones said: “Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards are a tremendous showcase for the Welsh food and drink industry.
“Once again the Awards have highlighted just how much high quality food is available here, and I congratulate all those who have received awards.
“Earlier this year I launched our local sourcing action plan which encourages us all to buy more Welsh food. There are so many benefits to buying local from reducing food miles and supporting the local economy, to the reassurance that comes with knowing where our food comes from and how it has been produced.
“While our food tourism action plan is all about improving visitor experiences in Wales as a destination where high quality and distinctive food is widely available in our cafes, restaurants, pubs, hotels and guesthouses.
“We want to ensure that our visitors are provided with an exceptional food experience based on locally sourced and distinctive food. In 2008 the first award for Food Tourism Destination was awarded in Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards and this year’s winners – Pembrokeshire County Council – will help raise awareness of the excellence of Food Tourism outlets throughout Wales.”
A number of companies scooped more than one award; among them were:
* South Caernarfon Creameries
* Penrhiw Farm Organic Meat
* Oaklands Organics
* Gill’s Plaice
* Greta’s Wholefoodies
* Hafod Welsh Organic Cheddar.
It was a good night in particular for Primrose Organic Centre which won awards in several categories.
