Welsh Government urges shoppers to support food and drink industry
THE #CARUCYMRUCARUBLAS #LOVEWALESLOVETASTE CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS THOSE WORKING TO FEED THE NATION
SHOPPERS are being urged to show their support for key workers in Wales’ food and drink industry by taking part in a new online campaign called #CaruCymruCaruBlas #LoveWalesLoveTaste.
The Welsh Government campaign encourages people to support Welsh producers and retailers by buying Welsh food and drink.
#CaruCymruCaruBlas #LoveWalesLoveTaste is a way of thanking those who are working around the clock to feed the nation during the coronavirus pandemic.
Producers, retailers and the hospitality sector were hit hard by the pandemic.
Some businesses had to close overnight, but countless enterprises have shown incredible ingenuity and adaptability, continuing producing and providing goods under exceptional circumstances.
The campaign kicked off with a ‘Welsh Food & Drink Celebration Day’ involving all parts of the supply chain.
Lesley Griffiths, minister for environment, energy and rural affairs, said: “We have seen and heard many wonderful examples where individuals and businesses have stepped up to the challenges presented by Covid-19.
“Now we want to say a very public thank you to all the key workers within our food and drink industry. They have continued to produce great food and keeping our nation fed throughout this unprecedented time.
“It is more important than ever that we support Welsh food and drink businesses. That’s why we are launching the #CaruCymruCaruBlas #LoveWalesLoveTaste campaign to encourage Welsh consumers to keep supporting our producers and retailers and buying high quality local Welsh produce.”
Welsh food and drink products are readily available to buy. Around 3,700 different products can be found on retailers’ shelves across Wales, and numerous brands also available online.
A partnership between the Welsh Government and Menter a Busnes, the campaign follows on from the successful Welsh producers’ map created by Cywain – a programme dedicated to developing new and existing micro-businesses and SMEs in the Welsh food and drink sector.
Cywain’s #SupportLocalSupportWales map directs shoppers to hundreds of Welsh food and drink producers and products at the click of a button.
Elen Llwyd Williams, Menter a Busnes director said: “There are hundreds of Welsh producers now selling online and offering safe delivery options to consumers.
“Consumers across Wales have provided fantastic support to local producers throughout the pandemic, and we need this to continue to ensure businesses survive.
“Cywain are supporting a number of businesses with their online presence, so new producers and products are added to the online map on a regular basis.”
Producers and retailers downloaded digital campaign packs in readiness for the first ‘Welsh Food & Drink Celebration Day.’ Two more celebration days will be held in August and September.
Andy Richardson, chair of the Food and Drink Wales Industry Board said: “As we launch these celebration days we must remain confident to grow and focus on added value.
“We’ve seen producers diversifying their offering, helping the NHS and keeping the nation fed and we can continue to take huge pride in Welsh food and drink as we work together to recover from this crisis.”