Blog

Oct 26, 2023

Fill your picnic basket and celebrate independent Welsh producers with these delicious treats

Keeping it unique - and local - can unlock a whole host of amazing food and

Keeping it unique - and local - can unlock a whole host of amazing food and drink from independent Welsh suppliers

Whether you’re planning a picnic, a barbecue or another summer time event, instead of reaching for the first product on the supermarket shelf, perhaps something a little more unique will really make that garden party pop.

Not only will you get to sample some new - and delicious - food and drink, but supporting independent businesses local to Wales is a celebration of Welsh heritage and culture itself.

Perhaps you’re a whisky connoisseur, or a cheese lover. Maybe you're a caffeine fiend, or you’ve got a hankering for some snackable beef jerky. Perhaps you're still searching for that perfect non-alcoholic beverage, or simply love a good slice of toast.

Just remember - no matter what you're craving, make sure you satisfy it with something scrumptiously Welsh.

According the the founders of Halen Môn: "Good food becomes truly great with the touch of Halen Môn sea salt"s. It all began in 1997 when we discovered the culinary magic while boiling seawater on our family kitchen's Aga, witnessing the birth of our remarkable sea salt crystals.

"Today, our salt is cherished worldwide by renowned chefs, food enthusiasts, and even graced the tables of influential events like the London 2012 Olympics and royal weddings.

"As trusted suppliers to leading delicatessens and esteemed retailers like Marks and Spencer, Waitrose, and Harvey Nichols, our sea salt enhances flavours in over 22 countries.

"Join us on a journey that brings your senses to life, as Halen Môn embraces the essence of Anglesey's wild seaside and island living."

To find out more, visit the Halen Môn website, or email [email protected].

Trailhead Get Jerky is an artisan beef and venison jerky producer based in Welshpool. They make a wide range of flavoured jerky products, made from handcrafted cuts of responsibly sourced PGI Welsh Beef and locally sourced wild venison.

The jerky is marinated for 24 hours in Get Jerky's unique marinade recipes to make a product that is high in protein, gluten free and tastes great - so good, that several flavours of the beef jerky have been awarded Great Taste Awards.

Look out for Get Jerky in delis and artisan retailers throughout Wales in flavours including spicy chilli beef, black garlic venison and spicy chilli venison.

To find out more, visit the Trailhead website, or email [email protected].

Indulge in the exquisite taste of Drop Bear Beer., a renowned brewer of craft beers with a delightful twist—they're all non-alcoholic.

Their wide range of lovingly crafted 0.5 per cent ABV brews have been a force to be reckoned with in the industry, ever since they officially launched in 2019.

Committed to not only satisfying your taste buds but also making a positive impact on the world, Drop Bear Beer are a B-Corp certified company, who prioritize sustainability and are proud to be the world's first carbon neutral non-alcoholic brewer.

Vegan and gluten-free, with a Drop Bear Beer you can enjoy the rich flavours and join them in building a better world, one sip at a time.

To find out more, visit the Drop Bear Beer website, or email [email protected].

The founders of Dragon Cheese want you to know that every day is a celebration of mouth-watering flavours and culinary possibilities, as soon as you make your first purchase.

"Our high-quality Welsh cheese is crafted with care and can be savoured by all. No matter your cooking expertise or personal taste, Dragon cheese is here to elevate your everyday meals in countless ways," they explained.

"Our Mature Welsh Cheddar is meticulously made from the finest milk sourced from our co-operative farmers, using time-honoured recipes that result in a cheese that's brimming with flavour.

"Unleash your creativity and explore the endless possibilities with Dragon cheese. Embark on a taste adventure like never before with Dragon Cheese."

To find out more, visit the Dragon Cheese website, or email them via the form on their website.

Coaltown Coffee - a specialty coffee roastery founded by Scott James in Ammanford - has launched a new subscription offer.

Wales is well-known for its rich coal mining history, which saw a decline in the industry due to competition from alternative energy sources and decreased demand for coal.

Coaltown Coffee was founded in Ammanford, a town that relied on Anthracite coal for its economy until the last collieries closed in 2003.

As a B Corp certified business, Coaltown Coffee is committed to implementing sustainable and ethical practices. The new subscription builder allows customers to personalize their coffee orders based on taste and quantity, with the flexibility to customize delivery frequency, skip or pause deliveries, and even swap out products.

With Coaltown's dedication to ethical sourcing and sustainable production, customers can enjoy their favourite coffee while supporting a socially responsible business.

To find out more, visit the Coaltown Coffee website, or email [email protected].

At SamosaCo, they're all about feeding your 'Atma' - otherwise known as your soul, or spirit -and creating cherished moments with your loved ones.

"Step into the heart-warming tale of SamosaCo, where our journey began four decades ago in a cozy Asian grocery store in Toronto. With love and passion, we crafted samosas that delighted our customers with their homemade and irresistible flavours," they explained.

"Fast forward to the present day, as we relocated to the UK in the 80s and expanded our horizons.

"Today, we boast our own samosa factory in Cardiff, where our unwavering attention to detail and commitment to using quality ingredients ensures that our products retain the authentic flavours reminiscent of our humble beginnings in Toronto.

"Join us in celebrating life's special moments with the soulful delight of SamosaCo."

To find out more, visit the SamosaCo website, or email [email protected].

Brace's Bread has been a beloved choice for Welsh families since 1902, providing delicious and wholesome bread for generations.

The fourth-generation family-run bakery continues the legacy of founder George Brace, delivering the same quality bread he crafted over a century ago to the nation.

With their range of bread and baked products, you can experience a taste of tradition and enjoy its versatility in various recipes. From breakfast toast to lunch sandwiches and supper accompaniments, Brace's Bread has been bringing families together around the table for years.

Find our products in local stores and major retailers to savour the deliciousness of Brace's Bread yourself.

To find out more, visit the Brace's Bakery, or email [email protected].

Llaeth Y Llan, a family-owned business nestled in the heart of North Wales, has come a long way since Gareth and Falmai's first yogurt trials in their farmhouse airing cupboard in 1985.

Today, Llaeth Y Llan is a thriving producer of high-quality yogurt, available in 15 delicious flavours at major retailers, independent shops, and farm shops. Their Natural Greek-Style Yogurt is one of their top sellers and its easy to see why; creamy and sumptuous, it can be stirred into a soup, or mixed in with muesli.

According to Gareth and Falmai, they're passionate about creating delicious and nutritious yogurt whilst also being mindful of their impact on the environment.

"Sustainability isn't just a passing trend for us; it's an integral part of responsible business practices," they said.

"We take pride in sourcing local ingredients for our delicious yogurt. We believe that great taste and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. Join us in enjoying delectable yogurt while making a positive impact on the world we share."

To find out more, visit the Llaeth Y Llan, or email [email protected].

Brecon Carreg tonic waters are produced locally with fresh and natural Brecon Carreg mineral water, for a refreshing taste of Wales.

The revitalising Welsh tonics include Classic, Light, Lemon and Grapefruit flavours, so whether you enjoy a classic gin and tonic or simply want a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage, Brecon Carreg tonic waters are sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Better yet - not only are they low in calories, but they're also available throughout Wales in well-known supermarkets such as Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, CK Food stores and Castell Howell.

To find out more, visit the Brecon Water website, or email [email protected].

Step into the world of Penderyn Distillery, the home of award-winning, exceptional single malt whiskies and spirits.

Penderyn embodies a revival of the lost art of Welsh whisky-making, when a group of friends in the late 1990s embarked on a mission to create a whisky as precious as Welsh gold, symbolized by their globally renowned premium 'Gold' collection.

With two distilleries in Wales - soon to be three - experience the magic of their unique distillation process and immerse yourself in the extraordinary finishes of Penderyn whisky.

Whether you're a connoisseur or simply appreciate the finer things in life, these premium whiskies are sure to impress with their depth of flavour and smooth, satisfying finish.

To find out more, visit the Penderyn Distillery website, or call 01685 810650 (Brecon Beacons/Bannau Brycheiniog) and 01492 701530 (Llandudno).

This collaborative Welsh Food & Drink campaign was part funded by the Welsh Government's Covid Recovery Challenge Fund.