AM TOASTS NEW PROTECTED STATUS FOR WELSH CIDER

Assembly Member for Pontypridd, Mick Antoniw has welcomed the Welsh Government’s announcement that Traditional Welsh cider and perry are the latest Welsh products to be awarded protected status by the European Commission.

Traditional Welsh cider and Welsh perry join other iconic Welsh products, such as Welsh Laverbread, Welsh Lamb and Halen Môn/Anglesey Sea Salt, in being recognised for their distinct quality and awarded protection against imitation and misuse. In total, 14 Welsh products have now been awarded protected status.

Among the Welsh companies producing traditional Welsh cider are local producers Gwynt Y Ddraig, who are based in Llantwit Fardre.

Speaking during a visit to Gwynt Y Ddraig with Managing Director Andy Gronow, Mick Antoniw said:

“The recognition from the European Commission is important as it demonstrates the quality of Wales’ produce as we strive to reach new markets to grow the industry and prepare for a future outside of the EU. It’s also further evidence of the success of the growing Welsh food and drink sector and the effectiveness of the Welsh Government’s strategy to support it.

“Traditional Welsh perry and Traditional Welsh cider are re-emerging products and the revival of these drinks has been driven by high-quality local producers, such as Gwynt Y Ddraig.

“These products have now received the honour of being the first Welsh drinks to attain the PGI status I congratulate Gwynt Y Ddraig on their success, which is helping to reinforce Wales’ growing reputation as a producer and exporter of quality food and drink products.”

Gwynt Y Ddraig is a multi-award winning company, which currently employs twelve people, exports to seven different countries and supplies a number of Britain’s largest retailers. Managing Director, Andy Gronow said:

“This award will definitely boost the profile of Welsh cider and perry and we’ll be embracing the opportunities that protected status brings.”

“At Gwynt Y Ddraig our focus is on using traditional cider and perry making techniques and we’re really optimistic that this award will help us to reach even more markets around the world.”