Celebrating Welsh food and drink

10 @specialityfood TRADITION Heritage at itsHeart Wales boasts a cornucopia of high quality food and drink products which position provenance front and centre W ith its renowned coastlines and plentiful seas, lush landscapes and varied terrains, Wales is a natural home for fantastic food and drink. From the stunning heather-hued moorlands where bees feed on fragrant Ling blossoms to create uniquely delicious honey to the waters where some of the world’s best oysters are nurtured, the Welsh landscape offers a veritable larder of culinary delights – and this varied menu plays a key role in the country’s culture, where a passion for high quality produce runs deep. Combine this connection with the land with specialist knowledge and skills that have been proudly passed down from generation to generation, and it’s only natural that the country boasts a high number of food and drink products with Geographical Indication status and therefore the invaluable ability to claim the distinctive authenticity, quality and heritage of their origin. Food lovers of all persuasions can benefit by tucking into Welsh GI AT A GLANCE: GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION Protected Designation of Origin (PDO): demonstrates that the product has been produced, processed and prepared in a specified region which gives the itema distinctive quality. Protected Geographical Indication (PGI): indicates that at least one stage of production, processing or preparation has taken place in a specified region to benefit its quality. Traditional Specialties Guaranteed (TSG): focuses on the traditional productionmethod of a product, sometimes with links to a specific area. produce: from the customers who relish the inspiring culinary experience and taste of Welsh history that are key ingredients of GI products, whether they come from near or far; to the retailers who service these customers and can command a higher value thanks to the innate high quality and engaging stories baked into Welsh GI produce; and the producers who make it their life’s work to ensure that Wales’ reputation for food and drink excellence stands tall through the centuries.