They are in demand by top chefs across the UK and potatoes from the award-winning farmer owned business - Puffin Produce Ltd - are now on sale in Welsh Asda stores.
Following successful in-store trials over St David’s Day, two variants of Puffin’s new ‘Blas Y Tir’ branded potatoes have gone on sale.
Welsh shoppers can take home 2kg bags of ‘Blas Y Tir Premium Pembrokeshire New Potatoes’ and ‘Blas Y Tir Estima Bakers ’.
“It is fantastic to see the Pembrokeshire New Potato getting the recognition it deserves on Welsh supermarket shelves,” says Puffin’s General Manager, Huw Thomas
“We would like to thank Asda for their support in helping to considerably move forward the availability of the widely demanded Pembrokeshire early potato.
“It is very timely too as the beautiful distinctive taste of Pembrokeshire earlies is just what is needed for those delicious summer salads.”
“Our True Taste Award-winning Estima baking potatoes have a delicate taste that complements other flavours, says Huw. “Like all our potatoes, they are uniquely grown and packed in Wales, so they offer a truly authentic ‘taste of the land’. “
“They are stored in precisely controlled conditions throughout the winter period, allowing the very best moist and firm baking potatoes to be available all year around.”
Indeed, Huw believes Puffin’s success at the Welsh Assembly Government True Taste Awards has played a pivotal role in bringing the Estima potatoes to the attention of consumers and buyers.
“Being a True Taste winner is very special indeed, not only is it very satisfying to have your efforts recognised by the food and drink industry but from a commercial point of view – and with the consumer – it gives us a greater presence.”
Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones says, “I’d like to congratulate Puffin Produce, this brings more home-grown produce to Welsh consumers and is an excellent example of the benefits of the increased profile to be gained from winning a True Taste Award.”
Puffin is expanding its operation and is investing £2.6m in equipment and storage at its Withybush site.
Allison Lloyd Asda Local Sourcing Manager for Wales said, “We know that locally grown food is on the top of our customer’s shopping list, which is why we work hard to ensure that all our stores have 100s of locally produced products. These potatoes grown by Puffin Produce are a perfect example of our commitment to local farmers in Wales, and we hope all our customers enjoy eating them this summer.”
Ends.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Puffin Produce Ltd was formed in 1995, evolving from the Pembrokeshire Potato Marketing Group. The company is 51% owned by farmer co-operative with 18 farmer shareholder growers based in Pembrokeshire and three programmed growers in the Wye Valley. The remaining 49% is owned by a private investor. Puffin Produce is proud to work sustainably with Welsh farmers and farmland.
The company employs 55 staff with an £8m turnover packing 24,000 tonnes of potatoes each year as well as providing a seasonal supply of cauliflower, savoy cabbage, swede and daffodils.
Puffin’s main customer is Asda and the company’s expansion project includes more efficient packing lines, a potato polisher, an optical grader, a robotic stacker, an ERP computer control system and additional on-site cold storage.
For more information about Puffin Produce Ltd please contact:
Huw Thomas
General Manager
Puffin Produce Ltd
Mobile: 07900 490342
Email: huw@puffinproduce.com
SB: 01437 766716
DD: 01437 776995
For more information about Welsh food and drink log on to: www.walesthetruetaste.co.uk
For information about the Wales the True Taste Awards Food & Drink Awards log on to: www.truetaste.tv