Porc.Wales, the home for Wales’ specialist pork farmers, producers and butchers has launched a new initiative raising the profile of pork from Wales. The Campaign showcases its quality, and champions local pork suppliers.
Porc.Wales, working hand-in-hand with Menter Moch Cymru, is a new Welsh Government-funded initiative to develop the pig sector in Wales.
As the pork market in Wales currently stands, we only produce around 5% of the pork we consume.
Although pork is consumed more than lamb and beef combined, Wales only has around 23,000 pigs, in comparison to over 9,300,000 sheep and over 1,000,000 cattle. But, as Melanie Cargill of Menter Moch Cymru explains, educating consumers is of upmost importance to overcome this issue;
“There is a huge demand for pork in Wales, but some consumers are still unaware of the fantastic work and innovative approaches by Welsh farmers, to ensure Wales produces some of the tastiest and highest quality pork available.”
“What we do here in Wales is special – and it shows in the quality of the meat. Celebrating the unique work that Wales’ farmers and suppliers carry out on our doorstep, during moments like Porc from Wales Week, is key to raise awareness and change perceptions; helping the industry move towards a more sustainable pork market.”
Porc.Wales continuously work to support the pork from Wales industry.
Kirstie Jones, Market Development Officer at Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) – Meat Promotion Wales, explains;
“Porc.Wales have a network of dedicated suppliers that proudly produce and distribute delicious, high-quality pork from Wales, all year round.
“As the number of pigs in Wales is currently at its lowest recorded figure since 2009, Porc from Wales Week gives us a voice to let people know why local is always best.
“Pigs in Wales are generally reared in smaller herds and for longer, which allows for a much bigger flavour. As well as that, the climate and landscape in Wales helps to provide a natural environment to produce high-quality pork.”
Longstanding supplier Mathews Butchers from Llandovery are currently the only high-street butcher in Wales to hold a Royal Warrant. This gives them a status to supply meat to the Households of HM The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh or HRH The Prince of Wales.
2019 marks the tenth year Mathews Butchers have been supplying quality pork from Wales to HRH The Prince of Wales, Charles.
Owner Dai Mathews, who has been in the industry for around 40 years, talks of his passion for supporting local,
“We always recommend pork from Wales to all our customers, and that’s always what they’re after. It’s tasty, reared on your doorstep and of a very high quality. Supporting local businesses and the pork from Wales industry are equally important; imported meat isn’t the way forward”.
