Flourishing food firms with their roots in the business of farming
Wales is home to a thriving artisan food and drink sector – with many of the ventures having their roots in farming.
With support and guidance from initiatives such as Cywain – a project which helps the development of new markets for growth-orientated food and drink businesses – a number of fledgling and small producers have succeeded in bringing their produce to the public’s attention.
Here we take a look at just a few of the newest enterprises in Pembrokeshire making a name for themselves.
WELSH JERKY CO
Four months on from its launch, Welsh Jerky Co’s product is available in several pubs and delis in Wales.
The jerky is made from 100% Welsh beef, hand-sliced and seasoned by friends and company co-founders Owen Griffiths and Dan Davies.
A snack often associated with the American West, jerky is lean meat that’s been trimmed of fat, cut into strips and dried.
The Narberth-based company’s jerky is marinated in the freshest natural ingredients, including ginger, garlic, carrots and celery.
■ www.welshjerky.com
DEFAID DOLWERDD CHEESE
Bringing a touch of the Mediterranean to Wales is ewes’-milk cheese producer Defaid Dolwerdd, which last summer launched a range of halloumi-style cheese.
Nick and Wendy Holtham keep 120 Friesland milking ewes at their farm near Crymych in Pembrokeshire. They started making ewes’-milk cheese, yoghurt and ice cream on a small scale 15 years ago, but when Nick retired in 2013, they decided to step up production and extended their dairy by adding a new parlour.
With support from Food Centre Wales at Horeb, their ewes’ milk has been turned into a variety of cheese.
Available in three flavours, the “Halwmi” is part of the Defaid Dolwerdd range, which also includes Beca, Frenni (Fetys) and Aur Preseli.
The cheese is sold at local farmers’ markets and food events.
■ www.facebook.com/Holtham/
PEMBROKESHIRE CHILLI FARM
Disappointed at the lack of variety of fresh chillies in supermarkets and high-street shops, Owen and Michelle Rosser began growing their own. The result was an abundance of chillies of all different shapes, colours and tastes – including some of the hottest in the world.
After many experiments, they created their first sauces and jams, and Pembrokeshire Chilli Farm was born.
More sauces and jams have been