Shoppers are being encouraged to embrace Welsh food and drink this St David’s Day by supporting local businesses.

Over the weekend leading up to March 1st – and on the day itself – almost 100 producers and retailers across Wales will take part in a digital drive to attract customers and bring the community together through these difficult times.

As part of the #CaruCymruCaruBlas #LoveWalesLoveTaste campaign, producers and retailers will be sending out a virtual ‘cwtsh’ (a Welsh hug) for St David’s Day.

The Welsh Government’s Food & Drink Wales #CaruCymruCaruBlas campaign was launched last summer to thank those working around the clock to feed the nation during the coronavirus pandemic.

#CaruCymruCaruBlas caught the public’s imagination and attracted celebrity support. It was embraced by businesses from across Wales’ food and drink sectors who shared their stories on social media.

Using tools, such as the Welsh producers’ map created by Cywain (cywain.cymru), shoppers have access to Welsh food and drink producers and hundreds of products at the click of a button.

The St David’s Day #CaruCymruCaruBlas online activity includes creating a short, animated film – featuring a #CaruCymruCaruBlas ‘cwtsh’. The film has been customised for each business that will share it across their social media channels, backed-up from a digital advertising campaign.

Lesley Griffiths, the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, said:

“As we continue to hear many wonderful examples where individuals and businesses have responded to the challenges presented by Covid-19, we want to say another big thank you to all the key workers within our food and drink industry.

“This St David’s Day, it is more important than ever we continue to support Welsh food and drink businesses. Please help us to make the #CaruCymruCaruBlas #LoveWalesLoveTaste campaign a huge success, and share the pride, passion and resilience of Wales’ food and drink industry.

“I wish you all a very Happy St David’s Day.”