Blas was a Blast

A Taste of Things to Come

Our round up of BlasCymru/TasteWales 2021

BlasCymru/TasteWales at the Celtic Manor’s International Conference Centre Wales in late October was many attendees’ first opportunity to go to an event since the lockdowns and clearly, everyone was happy to be there. The occasion was an amazing opportunity for producers to launch new and innovative ideas. From Caerphilly cheese to whisky from North Wales, BlasCymru/TasteWales is a representation of the country’s finest produce. This year saw significant focus on sustainability and the importance of buying local with the reality of the ever-growing climate crisis growing clearer than ever.

Spearheading this push towards sustainability and with a major presence at BlasCymru/TasteWales, was the Sustainability Cluster. The Welsh government has been running both sector specific and thematic food ‘clusters’ for some time, which offer support and opportunities for like-minded people to connect with one another, but the Sustainability Cluster is different, with an arguably much greater brief. It will support all food and drink producers across Wales, encouraging sustainability within the production, sales and consumption of food and drink.

Food Innovation Wales’s Project HELIX, a Welsh Government and EU-funded project was a significant presence at this year’s event. Created to help Welsh businesses grow by developing original products from concept, design, development and manufacture, through to the consumer’s shopping basket, sustainability is a major focus. Increasingly they’re supporting the development of plant-based products and encouraging sustainability by pushing the reduction of waste and improving efficiency.

Just as important are the Welsh brands that are making a huge effort to change their ways for the better of the planet. Notable amongst them at BlasCymru/ TasteWales was Puffin Produce with the launch of their ‘Root Zero’ potato, which is certified carbon neutral. From the power used at the farm to the transport that ships the potatoes, the company are significantly reducing their carbon footprint. MD of Puffin, Huw Thomas, stated “We have to act now, so we’re on a mission to become carbon neutral and farm in a way that protects and regenerates our land, plants and wildlife.”

Of the many new product launches at the show, the 2021 release of the first North Wales whisky in 100 years, from Aber Falls was one of the more notable, bottled and distilled near Aber Falls using Welsh barley. Rising star Roar Beer were showcasing their brand new 100% vegan beer at the event, a delicious zesty beer that matches perfectly with spicy dishes. Monty’s Brewery also launched a new beer to add to the collection, their first non-alcoholic beverage. Their Nude IPA is 0% but tastes just like the real thing. Similarly, Welsh Brew Tea were displaying their new Wellness Tea developed with Pharmabees of Cardiff University and Cardiff & Vale Health Board. Also showcasing their hot drinks were Fab Four Coffee, run by rugby legends Shane Williams, Lee Byrne, Mike Phillips and James Hook. In a new trend, there were a number of Welsh rums launched at the show including Da Mhile’s Dark Skies Rum, Devil’s Bridge Rum and Cardiff Distillery’s Lan Y Mor and Afon Lo. And the boom in gins continues with Hensol Castle, Mallows, Monmouth Gin and Treganna Gin all joining the fray with new products. Daffodil Foods introduced a plantbased truffle pudding called Potted Plant, that’s better for you, and better for the environment as no plastic is used in their packaging.

With a strong message of sustainability and shopping locally at this year’s BlasCymru/TasteWales, businesses were not only promoting their products, but also the ways in which they are having a positive impact on the wellbeing of the planet. From sustainable packaging and green energy to regenerating our natural environment, Welsh producers are making some serious changes.

As consumers, buying local is crucial when it comes to reducing our carbon footprint, primarily to cut down on air and road miles, but also to ensure what we eat and drink is produced sustainably. It’s a win-win situation for both consumer and environment, because local produce invariably tastes better, is easier to trace and monitor and has fewer road-miles. By purchasing from local sellers, you are supporting local workers, encouraging them to produce sustainably and helping them thrive. The more jobs available closer to home, the less travel necessary, leading to a smaller collective carbon footprint. And if this is BlasCymru/TasteWales 21’s legacy, then we can all be proud.

MORGANS BREW TEA

We are specialist suppliers of loose leaf teas and infusions from established plantations. Our blends are sourced from a collection of old and new recipes. We sell our own brand of 46 loose leaf teas and accessories via online webshop.

We love to share our passion for tea in all its myriad forms and delight in inspiring our customers to try new fl avours and recipes.We want to encourage our customers to think differently about they use tea and infusions for drinking and culinary use. Our aromatic and fl avour-rich blends are endlessly versatile; whether it be a satisfying cuppa, a delicate herbal pick-me-up, as an aromatic culinary ingredient or as a twist to an elegant cocktail. From black teas to caffeine-free, from herbal to fruit infusion – all our teas are blended for your enjoyment. You can drink our teas and infusions in the morning, mid-day, afternoon, evening - and as a nightcap.

T: 01938 552 303 | M: 07713 440 558 | E: hello@morgansbrewtea.co.uk | www.morgansbrewtea.co.uk Oldford House, Berriew Road, Welshpool, Powys SY21 7SS