Two food and drink companies based in Caerphilly County Borough have scooped a prestigious national award.
Blaengawney Cider, based in Crumlin and which produces Hallets cider, won a Bronze award, while Caerphilly town’s The Celt Experience won a Gold.
Held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, the 2011-12 Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards ceremony showcased the best food and drink products from Wales.
Over the past decade thousands of companies have competed in the Welsh Government Awards which this year attracted 1,017 entries from 366 companies large and small.
Tom Newman, from the Celt Experience, said: “This award is massive to be honest. It’s more recognition for the beer and for the stores that already stock it, such as Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons.
“For a high-end product like ours, this award is exactly what we want at this time. To receive an accolade like this, we are over the Moon.”
The Celt Experience brand was established four years ago and has gone on to become an international drink. As well as supermarkets stocking it in the UK, it is also a best seller in Paris and Tokyo.
Alun Davies, deputy minister for agriculture, food and fisheries, said: “For a decade the Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards have been at the forefront of promoting the wonderful array of Welsh produce, and cements the important partnership between the food industry and Welsh Government.
“There is no doubt Wales has a talent for producing top quality, flavoursome food and drink. Food is an important part of the Welsh way of life and is inextricably linked to our culture; indeed it is part and parcel of our DNA.”
“The skill and enthusiasm of producers has put our produce on the world stage, and the True Taste Awards give new and established businesses an important promotional platform.
“Being a True Taste winner enables producers to catch the consumers’ eye and compete in the global market place; and I am delighted to congratulate all those who have received Awards this year.”
I agree that both producers are a testament to the quality food producers we have in Caerffili town and borough. I have personally taken the role of sampling the produce on every occasion I can and promoting to others as often too. Wetherspoons are already hosting Celt/Newman Brewery beer and I hope will intoduce Hallets Cider soon. Dont let us down Dani…. My facebook page advertises both as well as Castle Chocolates from Bedwas…..