South Caernarfon Creameries launches fundraising initiative aimed at providing life-saving defibrillators to rural communities.
Last week, South Caernarfon Creameries installed its first on-site defibrillator, accessible to all, marking the official launch of its new campaign. The Creamery is now inviting local groups to help identify rural areas in need of life-saving defibrillators.
The campaign will continue with a fundraising sponsored walk along the Llŷn Peninsula coastal path, on Saturday 30th August, approximately 18 miles, with all proceeds going towards the purchase and installation of defibrillators.
Alan Wyn Jones, Managing Director of SCC said,
“Being Wales’s oldest and largest dairy co-operative, and farmer-owned since 1938, we want to give back to the communities that have made us what we are today.
“Our initial purchase will highlight the importance of having accessible defibrillators in remote areas and we are calling on our communities to get in touch if you need one in your area.
“We want to ensure everyone’s chance of surviving an out of hospital cardiac arrest is the same across Wales. We will be sharing clips of people demonstrating CPR and personal stories about the importance of defibrillators to raise awareness and encourage participation.
“We welcome staff, friends and family to walk the 18 miles of the Llŷn Peninsula coastal path on Saturday 30th August. Your support can help save lives and make a difference in our communities. To find out more go to our Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/from-dairy-to-defibs”
The company is also collaborating with Save a Life Cymru- the national programme to ensure people in Wales are prepared and empowered to act quickly in the event of a cardiac arrest.
Tomos Hughes, Save a Life Cymru Community Coordinator for North Wales said,
“Farming and rural communities have always looked after one another and that’s why this project is so important. Anyone can do CPR and use a defibrillator and by having this lifesaving equipment readily available will help to save more lives.
“CPR is easy to do and remember the 999 call-taker will be there to support and guide you through the process. Doing something is always better than doing nothing at all. You can refresh your skills at Save a Life Cymru.
“This is a great collaboration between South Caernarfon Creameries and rural communities. We are grateful for their support in helping to increase the fleet of defibrillators across rural communities in Wales.”
Feature image: SCC walkers with Tomos Hughes from Save a Life Cymru
Dragon cheese will be available in Aldi stores throughout Wales this March in time to celebrate St David’s Day.
Wales’s largest dairy co-operative, South Caernarfon Creameries, has recently secured distribution of Dragon to all major supermarkets in Wales with their newest partnership with Aldi.
With over 70 Aldi stores located across Wales and the borders, securing a deal with the renowned multinational supermarket chain further solidifies Dragon’s position within the retail sector.
Nick Beadman, Head of Commercial at SCC said,
“We are incredibly proud to introduce Dragon to a wider audience through our partnership with Aldi. This expansion into all major supermarkets in Wales not only increases the availability of Dragon but also supports Welsh farmers and promotes the rich dairy heritage of Wales. The partnership with our retailers reflects a shared commitment to quality, community, and sustainability.”
Crafted using the finest ingredients and traditional recipes, Dragon embodies the rich heritage and bold flavours of Wales and is a testament to the farmers’ co-operative’s commitment to quality and tradition.
Bringing authentic Welsh flavours to homes, Dragon is ideal for cheese boards, cooking or simply enjoying on its own.
Julie Ashfield, Managing Director for Buying at Aldi UK added,
“We are delighted to partner with South Caernarfon Creameries, bringing Dragon to all our customers across Wales. This collaboration allows us to offer a unique and high-quality product that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Wales, and just in time for St David’s Day.”
Feature image: Nick Beadman, SCC Head of Commercial with Kel Hughes, Pwllheli Store Manager
In a bid to raise money for BBC Children in Need, founders of Millbrook Dairy, David Evans and Kevin Beer, are driving a Tuk-Tuk adorned with a giant wedge of cheese from their headquarters in Bideford, Devon to the Orkney Islands in Scotland, covering 1,600 miles and making 29 stops along the way.
One special stop in Wales was visiting the nation’s largest co-operative dairy, South Caernarfon Creameries (SCC), in Pwllheli on Sunday 15th September.
Shon Jones of SCC said,
“It was a great sight watching them arrive. As master cheese graders, they had the opportunity to meet our team, taste our cheeses, and share our passion for high-quality dairy products.
“It’s a great challenge and we wish them all the best on the rest of their journey up to the Highlands. Safe travels!”
Kevin Beer, Co-Founder and Director at Millbrook Dairy Company, said,
“It was great visiting South Caernarfon Creameries – what a wonderful part of the world.
“The story behind our journey is that it’s our fifth birthday this year, and we wanted to do something different where we can give back to society – hence our crazy Tuk-Tuk idea!
“Our Tuk-Tuk is easily recognisable. As well as raising money for BBC Children In Need, we are keen to have some fun with this and so we’d love people to get involved and share their photos on our social media if they spot the Tuk-Tuk. We are @millbrookdairy on Instagram #TukTukChallenge.
“As well as raising money for a fantastic cause, we are sampling some amazing cheeses along the way too from the very best of UK producers. We are loving every moment, although it has made us appreciate the comfort, we all take for granted in our normal vehicles.”
David Evans, Co-Founder and Director at Millbrook Dairy Company, added, “So far, we have raised over £10,000 for Children in Need which is an amazing charity that helps fund thousands of projects in every corner of the UK. Our family and friends have already sponsored us, and some of our wonderful suppliers and customers have supported us too, and we are hoping that our fund raising will continue to grow throughout and after our trip. If you would like to sponsor us, our JustGiving page is: bit.ly/MillbrookTukTukChallenge.”
Feature image: Millbrook Dairy David and Kevin with Shon and Trystan from SCC
Lois Williams (25), Technical Compliance Officer at South Caernarfon Creameries (SCC), recently graduated with a Master of Science (MSc) in BioInnovation from Aberystwyth University. Lois is now set to be a part of measuring the creamery’s baseline carbon footprint by working closely with its farmer members and continue achieving the Welsh Green Dragon Environmental Standard Level 4.
With her new qualification, Lois brings cutting-edge sustainability practices and technologies to the table, along with the communication skills to share this knowledge effectively.
As Wales’s largest dairy co-operative, SCC is already committed to sustainability, working on projects to minimise environmental impact by measuring carbon footprint, reducing energy use, and collaborating with suppliers to enhance packaging recyclability.
In her role Lois ensures quality and safety across the creamery and helps liaise with farmer members. Lois said,
“I’ve been working at SCC since I graduated from my degree in Animal Science in 2020. I began in the laboratory as a Quality Assurance Technician, and then got a promotion to be a Technical Compliance Officer in 2022.
“My recent postgraduate qualification will now help me assist farmers in reducing carbon footprint and support SCC’s sustainability goals. I’m looking forward to putting all my learnings into practice.”
Alan Wyn Jones, Managing Director of SCC added,
“We would like to congratulate Lois on her recent success, a fantastic achievement. Our investments in more efficient equipment, buildings and vehicles demonstrates our commitment and proactive approach to protecting the environment and driving sustainable practises within our supply chains. With Lois’ knowledge and skills, she will continue to be play an important part in developing our sustainable strategies for the future.”
South Caernarfon Creameries has recently secured a lucrative deal with the British consumer co-operative, the Co-op, to supply over 100 of their grocery stores across Wales with their award-winning Dragon Mature Cheddar cheese.
This marks a significant milestone for the Dragon brand, which has been celebrated for its exceptional quality and taste, earning 17 awards at prestigious food awards last year alone.
The Dragon cheese range is known for its rich flavour and Welsh heritage, being made using milk sourced 100% from Welsh farming members.
South Caernarfon Creameries, being Wales’s oldest and largest dairy co-operative, has been farmer-owned since 1938. Michael Mort, National Account Manager expressed his delight about the partnership,
“We are proud to partner with Co-op, a retailer that shares our values of community and quality. This expansion allows us to reach more customers by supplying 106 stores with our 350g Dragon Mature Cheddar. We estimate around 15 tonnes a year of Dragon Cheddar being delivered offering shoppers a true taste of Wales.
“Our collaboration represents a union of values, where we share the same commitments to quality, community and sustainability – two co-operatives coming together united in purpose.”
The Co-op, short for The Co-operative Group Limited, is one of the world’s largest co-operatives. Established in 1844 and with over 5 million members, it has evolved and expanded with a range of retail businesses, including grocery, legal services, funerals and insurance.
Committed to ethical practices, community development and sustainability, Penny Colley, Co-op Store Manager, Machynlleth,
“This is a great partnership with Wales’s leading dairy co-operative. We endeavour to support companies in Wales, sourcing ethical produce and work with initiatives and businesses that reduce their environmental impact.”
Feature image: L-R Michael Mort, SCC with Penny Colley & Phil Bird from Co-op
Three employees from Wales’s leading farmer owned dairy co-operative are retiring with an impressive 117 years of service between them. Morgan Owen, Gwyn Jones and Peredur Williams are leaving South Caernarfon Creameries with a string of lifelong friendships and a vatful of fond memories. From earthquakes to frightening flights and early morning calls, the three soon-to-be retirees have many stories to tell of their time at the creamery.
Morgan from Llangybi is the longest serving of the three, having worked for almost half a century at the creamery. His 45-year career began in the cheese area, before progressing to running the whey plant. Speaking of his time at the creamery, Morgan said:
“I have always liked coming to work here, doing the best in my job and meeting different people. Over the years I have never had the desire to leave. I’ve seen many things over the past decades, but I think the most surprising was experiencing a big earthquake that shook the room. While it is sad to leave my colleagues and friends at the creamery, and a shame that I will not have the chance to work in the new whey plant, I’m looking forward to my retirement now.”
Not far behind Morgan’s epic four and a half decades is Gwyn who has been working for the creamery for 42 years. Gwyn from Clynnog Fawr, who farms in his spare time, joined the creamery in 1982 and worked on the technical side of cheesemaking.
Gwyn said:
“My work at the creamery was varied and I never considered an alternative career. I have worked within the Technical department for most part managing quality assurance, also supporting the environmental services in recent years. I will miss working with my colleagues, many of who have become friends but I will have plenty to keep me busy home on the farm and I hope I will have more time to watch the rugby and football.”
With 30 years’ experience at the creamery, Peredur is also leaving a long and fulfilling career, managing relationships with farmers from right across Wales. Speaking about his experience, he said:
“When I started the job I hoped that I would be working here for many years, but didn’t quite expect that I’d be here for so long, which just shows how rewarding it’s been. I have loved working with the people at the creamery and all the farmers who make the company what it is. It has been a very interesting job and I’ve worked with lots of characters along the way, though I won’t miss the phone ringing at 6am on a Sunday morning!”
Peredur also recalls a nail-biting experience on one of his business trips. He said:
“It was July 1997, and I was one of six managers travelling on a small aeroplane from Dinas Dinlle to Goldenvale, southern Ireland. The return flight was a nightmare with no radar or radio working on the aircraft and one of the engines kept failing.”
With hair-raising experiences aside, Peredur who lives on a smallholding in Rhydyclafdy, Pen Llŷn is now looking forward to retirement and spending more time with his family, travelling, brewing beer and doing a little bit of farming. He concluded:
“I am very much looking forward to the future and I still maintain that I have never encountered a cheese that equals the tasty cheese South Caernarfon Creamery produces today.”
Alan Wyn Jones, Managing Director added,
“Morgan, Gwyn and Peredur have truly given a lifetime of service to the Creamery. In their various roles they have contributed greatly to the success and growth of the business, and the level of service they’ve given is testament to the high standards of their work and the regard that they are held in. On behalf of all of the staff and our farmer members, we thank them for their incredible service and wish the three of them a very happy and healthy well-deserved retirement.”
Feature image: L-R Peredur Williams, Gwyn Jones and Morgan Owen.
Wales’s leading dairy company, South Caernarfon Creameries raised £1,000 for Cancer Research Wales through their Christmas raffle smashing all previous records.
Committed to community well-being, the farmers’ co-operative is delighted at the amount raised. SCC’s Managing Director, Alan Wyn Jones said, “Our annual Christmas raffle is a big event for all the staff and there’s much enthusiasm.
“There were a number of great prizes – bottles of wine, champagne, gin, pizza maker, M&S voucher, ice cream maker, food steamer, Apple iPad, Galaxy tablet, air fryer, a television, food hamper, karaoke party speaker, a signed Nigel Owens autobiography. These were all donated by our suppliers, and we would like to thank them for their generosity.
“The funds raised will aid in advancing crucial research initiatives, supporting patients, and ultimately working towards a future free from the burden of cancer.”
Haf Williams, who organised the raffle expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support, and added,
“The spirit of giving during the festive period is truly heartening. We are grateful to our employees and suppliers for their generosity in making this Christmas raffle a tremendous success. The funds raised will make a meaningful impact on the ongoing efforts of Cancer Research Wales.”
Cancer Research Wales’s Communications and Marketing Manager, Iwan Rhys Roberts said,
“We’re very grateful to the fantastic staff at South Caernarfon Creameries and their suppliers for supporting Cancer Research Wales. We are an independent Welsh charity and the only charity wholly dedicated to funding cancer research in Wales for Wales. This kind and generous donation will go towards helping our work of transforming the lives of people affected by cancer and reducing the impact of cancer in Wales. Diolch yn fawr iawn, iawn.”
Cancer Research Wales
Since 1966, our pioneering research has been saving lives, right here in Wales. Almost 60 years of research has contributed to vast improvements in cancer services and better outcomes for countless people. We are working to make sure the people of Wales do not have to accept cancer as a life-threatening disease. We do this by supporting the best cancer researchers and clinicians to make discoveries which will transform lives, because research is in our DNA.
On a baking tray place the diced vegetable in a single layer, drizzle with olive oil, garlic, and salt. Roast for 40 minutes.
Make the marinara sauce:
Heat a saucepan over a medium heat.
Add the olive oil and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add the tomatoes, salt, pepper, sugar, and chilli flakes.
Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Make the white sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes.
Slowly stir in the milk, carefully allowing the mixture to absorb.
When all the milk is added, bring the sauce to the boil. Stir in the Dijon mustard and cheese. Simmer gently for 8-10 minutes.
Add the roasted vegetables to the marinara sauce.
Assemble the lasagne in a baking dish, starting with the tomato, lasagne sheets, then white sauce. Repeat twice. Finish with 150g grated cheddar on top.
Bake in the oven for 25 minutes at 200°C / 180°C Fan, until piping hot and crisp.
South Caernarfon Creameries is celebrating a bumper year of awards after winning a grand total of 97 awards this year, their best ever year with an increase of 28%.
Since launching their new Dragon Cheddar Everyday Everyway television advert in May and breaking into the lucrative US dairy market in June, Wales’s leading farmer owned dairy co-operative has gone from strength to strength.
Countless awards were gained at the International Cheese Awards, Cheshire Show, Yorkshire Show, Mid Somerset and the Royal Welsh Show. Out of a total of 97 awards, 40 were gold and Dragon Handcrafted Ruby won Supreme Champion Cheese with Dragon Salted Butter winning Supreme Champion Butter at this year’s prestigious Royal Welsh Show.
Leading on from the Royal Welsh Show, the creamery triumphed at the Great Taste Awards claiming two stars for their Dragon Salted Butter and one star each for their Dragon Handcrafted Ruby and Dragon Handcrafted Emerald cheese.
At the Global Cheese Awards they succeeded at gaining 15 awards from Gold to Bronze for a wide array of their products, from Double Gloucester, Low Fat Cheese to Best Vegetarian Cheese with their Dragon Handcrafted Ruby.
L-R: Shon Jones, Nigel Owens and Mark Edwards showing Nigel around the creamery.
Mark Edwards, Head of Operations said,
“We would like to thank all our staff, from production, to administration, to our farmers’ members. Without our strong team we would not be able to make these amazing products and have such a bumper year.
“We pride ourselves on using the best quality Welsh milk, to produce the best quality dairy products, and these awards showcase the great work we have achieved.”
Shon Jones, Cheese Quality Manager added,
“This year’s remarkable achievement is a testament to our dedication to quality and innovation. Our team’s relentless pursuit of excellence in cheese-making is reflected in each award we’ve won. These accolades not only honour our craft but also highlight the rich heritage and exceptional quality of Welsh dairy products on the global stage”
Over the past two years, Dragon Wales cheese and butter has been served at the home of the Scarlets rugby team in Llanelli for supporters to feast on. Recently, two Scarlets players, Callum Williams and Eddie James, visited the site of the dairy production to renew the partnership between these two stalwarts.
Made from only Welsh milk from across Wales, South Caernarfon Creameries produces the branded Dragon cheese and butter range as well as the premium Dragon Handcrafted selection.
Rising young stars, Scarlets winger Callum and centre Eddie, were treated to a full tour of the creamery near Pwllheli, and then went deep underground in the Llanfair Slate Caverns where the Dragon Handcrafted range is matured.
Scarlets centre Eddie James said,
“Callum and I had a great day out in north Wales visiting the creamery and caverns, and witnessing first hand all the work that goes into producing the award-winning cheese. A big thanks to Dragon Cheese for their continued support of the boys, it is much appreciated.”
The farmer owned co-operative has a strong affiliation with the rugby world as last month Nigel Owens, legendary rugby referee, launched a competition to win a family year’s supply of the Dragon Handcrafted range.
After Nigel’s visit to the creamery, with his new title Chief Cheese Officer, Nigel said,
“It is great seeing a Welsh farming business thriving in the heart of Wales and was wonderful to see first-hand how the Dragon Handcrafted cheeses are made and then placed underground in the slate cheese caverns. Now some lucky winner is going to receive a year’s supply of this delicious cheese – Pob lwc, Good luck!”
Kirstie Jones, SCC’s Marketing Manager said,
“The Scarlets rugby team has always had an unmistakable connection with the farming community from far and wide. The platform provides us with a truly unique audience, with us supplying not only the match-day hospitality, but tasters in the supporters’ village, and advertisements throughout Parc y Scarlets stadium.
“We want to continue and now build on all the great work and invite all Scarlets and rugby supporters over the UK to enter our competition to win a family year’s supply – a massive 250 packs weighing a huge 50kgs. To enter go to our website dragonwales.co.uk/competition-giveaway for the full details.”
Welsh dairy co-operative, South Caernarfon Creameries (SCC) recently said a fond farewell to two long-standing members of staff, Trevor Morris, SCC’s garage mechanic after exactly 50 years on the job, and Maldwyn Davies after a quarter of a century.
Trevor Morris, from Chwilog left school to do a City & Guilds motor technician course in Bangor before joining SCC at the age of 17 in 1973. Reminiscing about his first day Trevor said:
“My first job was washing a lorry ready for an M.O.T, and it had to be spotless for Charlie, which was no mean feat. Working in the garage was a good way for me to learn new skills and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity I had to complete my apprenticeship with the creamery and studying at college at the same time.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and I wish the creamery the best of luck in the future, and I see it going from strength to strength.”
Maldwyn, from Morfa Nefyn, joined the creamery to work in the packing department initially, but in a short time he moved to assist in the milk bottling dairy and then into the cheese production team. Maldwyn said:
“I’ve seen a lot of change, improvements and growth within the last 25 years, it has been very rewarding. I would also like to thank the company and wish everyone success in the future.”
Alan Wyn Jones, SCC Managing Director said:
“Trevor and Maldwyn’s long service is truly an incredible achievement, and on behalf of their colleagues, our Directors and members we would like to thank Trevor and Maldwyn for all their work for the co-operative, and wish them the best in their well-deserved retirements.”
Elwyn Jones, Compliance Manager and Company Secretary at SCC said,
“It has been a pleasure working with Trevor and Maldwyn, such dedicated, dependable and willing employees. There is no doubt that we will miss them. On behalf of the company, we would like to thank them both for their service and also wish them the best in their retirements.”
Feature image: L-R Maldwyn Davies and Trevor Morris | Visit:www.sccwales.co.uk
South Caernarfon Creameries has recently launched its premium range of cheese, Dragon Handcrafted Range, with new flavours and new packaging and now stocked in Tesco, Asda and Morrisons.
Matured in Llanfair Slate Caverns in North Wales, the Dragon Handcrafted selection has been named after precious gemstones and metals – Cavern Platinum, a vintage cheddar, Cavern Ruby, a Welsh red Leicester, Cavern Emerald, cheddar blended with leek and lastly Cavern Onyx, cheddar with the award-winning Welsh Penderyn whiskey.
With all four cheese stocked in Tesco, unveiling the new names and packaging for the range, SCC Managing Director Alan Wyn Jones said,
“We wanted to emphasise the cheese’s provenance and heritage with the new brand and flavours aimed at the luxury end of the market. We wanted to make delicious and rich tasting products by adding a real depth of flavour to our Dragon cheese.”
By ageing in the cheese caverns, new recipes have been created to highlight the unique characteristics, with food and travel writers, Kacie Morgan of The Rare Welsh Bit and Llio Angharad of Dine and Disco blog.
Tasty autumnal recipes include Cavern Emerald Glamorgan sausages with Dragon’s very own Piccalilli Pickle and a Cavern Ruby Welsh red bacon tart with a pesto dip, with more festive Christmas recipes on the horizon.
Kacie Morgan, creator of The Rare Welsh Bit said,
“Welsh Glamorgan sausages or ‘Selsig Morgannwg’ are closer to a savoury rissole or croquette than a traditional sausage, as they don’t actually contain any meat at all. They’re thought to have been popular during WW2, when meat was rationed, but the first known mention of them was in the 1850s, when George Borrow raved about eating Glamorgan sausages for breakfast in Wild Wales.
“For an easy yet tasty twist on traditional Welsh Glamorgan sausages, my recipe uses Dragon’s Handcrafted cavern-aged, leek-infused Cavern Emerald Cheddar to save on the hassle of washing, slicing and sautéing leeks. Pair your Glamorgan sausages with Dragon’s tangy Piccalilli Pickle and a crisp side salad, for a comforting autumnal snack.”
Llio Angharad, Welsh food and travel blogger of Dine & Disco, added,
“It was great being able to play around with the different flavours each cheese has. My Cavern Ruby cheese and bacon tart goes really well with pesto, and a glass of red wine in front of the fire this autumn.”
Tesco are stocking all four Dragon Handcrafted cavern aged cheese, with three in Asda and Morrisons stocking the Cavern Platinum and Cavern Ruby. For your local stockists or to buy the Dragon Handcrafted Range go online go to dragonwales.co.uk/category/handcrafted/ or dragonwales.co.uk/stockists/.
Welsh dairy co-operative, South Caernarfon Creameries (SCC) has announced the appointment of a new member of their Board.
Malan Hughes, who was born and raised at the family’s 500-acre dairy family farm near Pwllheli, will be the first woman to join the Board since the formation of SCC in 1938.
Malan is a key member of the Veterinary team at Milfeddygon Deufor. Her background gave her a love of animals and the countryside from a very early age and she was determined on becoming a vet even before she left primary school. In 2016, that long-held dream came true when Malan graduated with a Post Graduate Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice from Liverpool University. She continues to study part-time to gain a post-grad certificate in small animal veterinary.
Malan follows in the footsteps of her grandfather and father who also served as Board members.
Soon to set up home just half a mile from the creamery, Malan is looking forward to her role on the Board,
“The creamery has been very important to us as a family and I’m very grateful for this opportunity. I look forward to contributing towards the ongoing success and growth whilst ensuring the cooperative element of the creamery is recognised and strengthened.
“I’m eager to meet the producers and staff that I don’t know yet and I hope that all members are happy to have me represent them.”
Malan Hughes will replace Gareth Jenkins who retires from the Board following 28 years of service.
Gareth Jenkins of Tanllyn Farm, Pencaenewydd, was appointed back in July 1995 and at a later date he was appointed Vice-Chair for a period.
Commenting following the appointment, SCC Managing Director, Alan Wyn Jones said,
“I would like to welcome Malan to the Board, particularly given she’s the first woman to be in this position. She will be a great asset bringing with her knowledge and expertise which will be important to SCC’s work.
“I would also like to thank Gareth Jenkins for his long serving commitment and valuable contributions whilst on the Board and wish him a healthy and happy retirement.”
Scarlets team up with South Caernarfon Creameries (SCC) to continue partnership with Dragon Welsh Cheese and Butter.
Scarlets are delighted to extend their partnership with North Wales-based South Caernarfon Creameries, the award-winning makers of locally produced Welsh cheese and Welsh butter to help the promotion of their flagship Dragon brand.
Established in 1938, SCC is Wales’ largest wholly owned dairy co-operative. Made up of 154 farms, SCC joined the Scarlets commercial family last season and as well as a presence in the Supporters Village on match-day they have also hosted cheese tasting events at Parc y Scarlets and have a branded hospitality box on the third floor of the stadium. Their distinctive branding and adverts can also be found in the match-day programmes and on pitch-side LEDs.
The partnership comes at an exciting time for Dragon as they launch their marketing campaign with a brand-new website including a much-anticipated online shop, new products and exciting competitions for rugby fans to get exclusive match day experiences.
Kirstie Jones, Marketing Manager at South Caernarfon Creameries, said:
“We’re so pleased to be partnering with the Scarlets again this year. The past year has already shown increased and positive brand recognition across South Wales, and we’re excited to further develop that again this year.
“The Scarlets have a great affinity with the local community, and we’re looking forward to continuing being a part of that.”
The Scarlets have always had a strong link with the farming community within Wales with front rower Steff Thomas brought up on a dairy farm in the region.
Scarlets Head of Commercial Garan Evans said:
“It’s been fantastic to have Dragon as part of the Scarlets family for the last 12 months and we’re delighted to continue our partnership.
“Being at the heart of the community is something we both value and hold strong and we look forward to working with Kirstie and the team on some exciting campaigns for our supporters over the coming season.”
Photo Caption: Aaron Shingler, Back Row Scarlets and Kirstie Jones Marketing Manager, South Caernarfon Creameries.
South Caernarfon Creameries is a wholly owned Welsh dairy co-operative made up of 154 farms, some of which have been supplying us with milk for generations. We have close relationships with all our farmers and know that they really care about their herds. All our farmers are red tractor assured and work to conserve the Welsh countryside. The cows graze on lush grass and enjoy some of the most spectacular views that Wales has to offer – including the Llŷn Peninsula and Snowdonia National Park.
A farmer-owned creamery is on top of the world after three of its cheeses won global awards.
South Caernarfon Creameries (SCC) scooped the hat-trick of gold prizes at the prestigious International Cheese and Dairy Awards 2022 where its Mature White Cheddar, Caerphilly and Red Leicester triumphed against tough opposition.
The accolades crowned a remarkable run of success for the co-operative based in Chwilog, near Pwllheli.
The creamery has also picked up a bumper crop of awards in competitions across the UK, with a glittering haul of 22 gold medals,15 silvers and 12 bronzes.
Other achievements included wins at the Royal Highland Show where it gained golds with mature white cheddar and salted butter, and at Mid Somerset Show where it was victorious with seven varieties of cheese and its salted butter.
Earlier this summer SCC also celebrated a spectacular appearance at the Royal Welsh Show in July, collecting seven gold awards for its Red Leicester, Double Gloucester, Wensleydale, and Coloured Mild Cheddar, as well as for its Reduced Fat cheese and Half Fat cheese while the creamery’s Dragon butter stole the show with the Supreme Champion title.
There was more success for its salted butter at the Great Taste Awards where it was awarded one star.
Head Cheese Grader Shôn Jones, who is also a respected judge at cheese shows, said the victories at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards in Staffordshire were an “unmistakable stamp of recognition” of quality in cheesemaking.
He said: “It is a real boost commercially as it enhances our reputation for producing supreme products – cheese of a standard to match and surpass any of our competitors around the world.”
“We’ve had a good run over the last few years to be honest. But it’s a huge coup for us to gain a hat-trick at the International in the first year when all the shows are back to live format again following the pandemic.
“Then to follow it up by collecting an armful of awards at the Royal Welsh is icing on the cake.
“It’s credit to the hard work which everyone involved puts in to help us make the highest standard of products we can.
“All our farmers adhere to the industry recognised Red Tractor assurance standards for milk production, and our cheese graders are on site constantly grading all our cheese to ensure it reaches maximum potential.
“Our methods are undoubtedly paying off and our name is now being heralded around the world.”
It was view endorsed by New Products Developer Trystan Povey who said:
“It means we are not just seen as a Welsh company but as a global company, capable of making cheeses and butters to tempt the tastebuds of increasingly important international markets.”
Shôn and Trystan now have their sights firmly set on achieving more success later in the year at the World Cheese Awards 2022 at the International Convention Centre Wales, in Newport, Cardiff, on November 1 and 2.
The awards, hosted by the Guild of Fine Food, were originally scheduled to be held in Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine this autumn but the venue had to be hastily re-arranged after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Shôn said: “It is still hoped that Ukrainian farmers will be able to be represented at the event and I think the organisers will certainly plan on paying tribute to the Ukrainian nation.”
It will be the 34th year that the World Cheese awards have been held.
Shôn grades the variety of SCC cheeses on a daily basis, checking attributes including texture, colour and appearance as well as the all-important taste profile.
He started working for the co-operative 25 years ago and became increasingly interested in the grading and monitoring process
Shôn has also been involved in judging cheeses, including for eight years at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards, and his experience and knowledge of what judges are looking for is invaluable to SCC.
Trystan also has experience as an assistant judge, though neither of them can judge their co-operative’s own products.
Shôn said:
“Everything is judged blind at all the top shows unless it is a brand category in which case we will know who the producers are. But when it comes to general categories it is all unlabelled. We assess how the cheeses are presented, texture, maturity and taste.”
Feature image: Caernarfon Creameries cheese is as good as gold and they continue to bring home the awards. L to R, SCC New Product Developer Trystan Povey and Head Cheese Grader, Shon Jones with a selection of South Caernarfon Creameries award winning cheeses and butters.
Top Welsh Dairy Has Scooped Its Best Ever Haul Of Awards At The New-Look Dairy Industry ‘Oscars’.
South Caernarfon Creameries (SCC) brought back four gold medals from the International Cheese and Dairy Awards – and two silvers and five bronzes.
For the first time in its 120-year history the Awards were not part of the Nantwich Show after moving 30 miles south to Bingley Hall, near Stafford, a venue better known for hosting concerts by the likes of the Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen.
The only gold discs on show this time were made of cheese and South Caernarfon Creameries picked up wins for their Mature Double Gloucester, Red Leicester, Mature Cheddar and Salted Butter.
They were also awarded Silver for their Mild Cheddar and Sliced Mature Cheddar and Bronze for Medium Cheddar, Double Gloucester, Caerphilly, Half-Fat and Lighter Cheddars.
SCC New Product Development (NPD) Coordinator Trystan Povey said:
“We are delighted to have had our best-ever performance at the International Cheese Awards which are very much a benchmark for quality in the cheese and dairy industry.
“It has been another very successful year for us at award events up and down the country and we believe it is important that we pit ourselves against the very best in our industry regularly.
“Quality is at the heart of everything we do and not only does regular competition keep us on our toes, it is also a guarantee to our valued customers that our products are of the very highest standard.”
Following the event over 150 pounds of the award-winning cheese displayed at the Awards and the Love Cheese Live event which followed was donated to FareShare Cymru.
Sarah Germain, CEO at FareShare Cymru said:
“We are delighted to be partnering with South Caernarfon Creameries. Cheese is a very versatile ingredient and can be used in a wide variety of nutritious meals
“Through their work with FareShare Cymru they are helping support vulnerable people in our Welsh communities.”
FareShare Cymru are part of a UK national network of charitable food redistributors, made up of 18 independent organisations which take good quality surplus food from across the food industry to more than 10,500 frontline charities and community groups.
This year began with a double triumph as SCC’s show successes began at the very first event, the prestigious Virtual Cheese Awards, as their Double Gloucester cheese took a gold award and went on to be crowned the best cheese in Wales.
The creamery also makes other acclaimed territorial cheeses including Red Leicester and Welsh Caerphilly, along with its popular Dragon brand of everyday cheeses, which are a big hit with customers all over Wales and parts of the UK.
For more information on South Caernarfon Creameries go tosccwales.co.uk
Feature image: Trystan Povey, NPD Coordinator with Fareshare Cymru Cheese Donation
Scarlets are delighted to welcome South Caernarfon Creameries (SCC), producers of the award-winning Welsh Dragon cheese and butter brand to our commercial family.
Based on the beautiful Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales, SCC is a farmers co-operative made up of 145 farms, some of which have been supplying milk for generations. SCC prides itself on their close relationships with their farmers, and are all red tractor assured working to conserve the stunning scenery of the Welsh countryside.
Dragon Marketing Manager Kirstie Jones said:
“We are really excited to be joining the Scarlets family and building our brand in the South Wales area. The Scarlets have a great affinity with the community, and we can’t wait to be a part of that!”
As well as match-day hospitality, Dragon will have a presence in the Supporters Village before and after games, while also supplying their Welsh cheese and butter into the stadium, including consumer favourites Welsh Slate Cavern Aged Cheddar, Halen Môn Mature Cheddar and their Cavern Aged Penderyn Whisky blend. In addition, the Dragon branding will be shown at Parc y Scarlets and in the match-day programme.
Scarlets Head of Commercial James Bibby said:
“It is always great to welcome new commercial partners on board and we are thrilled that Dragon have joined the Scarlets family this season. We met the team in North Wales during our pre-season camp in August and it was clear that they share the same ambition and community values as us, as well as also being from a stunning part of the world.
“We all enjoyed sampling Dragons’ award-winning cheeses at a successful cheese and wine evening with our partners and coaches recently and we look forward to working together in the future and welcoming Dragon to Parc y Scarlets business club during the season.”
South Caernarfon Creameries (SCC) has joined forced with the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) and other industry stakeholders to help highlight accurate facts about greenhouse gas emissions from the sector amid the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow at the end of October (31st Oct).
The aim is to help inform everyone of the actual levels of greenhouse gas contributions coming from the dairy industry and dispel many of the current myths. Therefore, the sector asks individuals, key industry stakeholders, businesses, and organisations to promote five key facts internally and to the broader public before, during, and after COP26.
It is anticipated UK agriculture will come under the spotlight at COP26, which is why it is important to shout about the good work the dairy industry is doing to reduce emissions from what is already quite a low level.
“If everyone can share just one fact on social media, in their company newsletter, to a friend or in a conversation, for example, then that is at least one extra person that is better informed about emissions from the dairy industry.”
The facts being highlighted include:
UK Dairy farming is responsible for less than 3% of the UK’s total emissions.
46% – Almost half of the emissions coming from the dairy cow is from their digestion- a perfectly natural process of ruminants.
It takes 8 litres of tap water to produce 1 litre of milk or 158 litres of tap water to produce 1 litre of almond drink.
The carbon footprint of a litre of British milk is around 1.25kg CO2e compared to a global average of 2.9kg CO2e per litre.
UK dairy cows are some of the most climate friendly in the world. There are 278 million dairy cows worldwide. If they were all as efficient as UK dairy cows, we WOULD ONLY NEED AROUND 76 MILLION of them to produce the same amount of milk.
The RABDF has produced draft social media posts, newsletter snippets, visuals and posters that are free to copy and paste from their website at www.rabdf.co.uk/emissions
RABDF Managing Director Matt Knight said:
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to spread the good work of the dairy industry and reinforce the fact dairy products aren’t only good for human health, they are also good for the planet too.”
For your free visuals, social media posts and more on greenhouse gas emissions from the dairy sector, please visit www.rabdf.co.uk/emissions
Feature image: Alan Wyn Jones Managing Director SCC
South Caernarfon Creameries (SCC) has won two awards for its Double Gloucester cheese at the 2021 Virtual Cheese Awards, in association with Food and Drink Wales.
The north Wales farmers co-operative won Best Territorial Cheese and Best Welsh Cheese for its Double Gloucester cheese, which is made to a traditional recipe, rich, buttery and mellow in taste.
Ffion Davies, National Account Manager at South Caernarfon Creameries, said,
“As a business we are delighted to have won two awards for our Double Gloucester cheese in the Virtual Cheese Awards. We are proud of the great quality cheese we produce at South Caernarfon Creameries, using only the finest Welsh milk, produced by our 136 welsh farmers from across north and mid Wales.
“As the business slowly returns to the ‘new normal’, it is great to have something to celebrate.”
Based on the Llyn Peninsula, South Caernarfon Creameries (SCC) is Wales’ oldest and largest dairy co-operative. It first started operating in 1938 when John Owen Roberts had a vision of all dairy farmers working together to enable them to market their own milk.
Today, SCC has 136 Welsh farmers from across north and mid Wales supplying milk for use in the production of its award winning cheese and butter.
The Virtual Cheese Awards were launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to promote and celebrate the fantastic British cheese industry in a time of great need.
Commenting following the awards, Welsh Government Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd Lesley Griffiths, said:
“I would like to congratulate South Caernarfon Creameries on its success.
“We have a proud tradition of cheese-making in Wales and it forms a major part of our booming food and drink industry. From artisan to larger producers, we boast an impressive list of award-winning cheeses and I’m certain this will continue to grow over the coming years.
“I’m also delighted that Food and Drink Wales were the headline partner of the 2021 Virtual Cheese Awards, which promotes and celebrates excellence within the industry.”
South Caernarfon Creameries, the farmer co-operative based in Chwilog near Pwllheli has raised £633 towards Prostate Cymru
South Caernarfon Creameries is committed to raising funds for charities, and each year an annual Christmas Raffle is organised. Prostate Cymru was selected by staff as the charity to support for the Christmas just gone.
Prostate Cymru is the leading prostate health charity in Wales. Founded in 2003, the charity has grown from strength to strength over the last decade. The charity has no national or government funding and relies on the kindness and generosity of its fundraisers and volunteers to fulfil its core aim. The voluntary group are dedicated to fighting Prostate Cancer, educating and raising awareness, supporting treatments, procuring equipment, fund research here in Wales and supporting the education of medical professionals. Awareness is particularly important as early stage prostate cancer has no symptoms, but is 99% curable. Men need to understand what tests are available and the reliability of these tests. Annually throughout the UK men’s prostate cancer claims 12,000 lives, with up to 32,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 men in Wales and the risk increases to 1 in 3 if there is a family history of the disease. Prostate Cymru has supported GreenLight Laser treatment for benign prostate disease and funded the training of surgeons using the Da Vinci robot for minimally invasive prostate cancer surgery to date.
Haf Williams of South Caernarfon Creameries said:
“Prostate cancer in men is a common disease in Wales and raising awareness about the condition and funding research to fight the disease is paramount. South Caernarfon Creameries is pleased to be able to support to fund the dedicated team at Prostate Cymru’s and their activities and we hope that our contribution will make a little difference.
“Staff selected this charity and we thank them for their support and generosity towards the Christmas raffle again this year. We are also in debt to our suppliers who are ever ready to back our charitable campaigns; MWL, CHR Hansen, Ap Thomas Architect, Brooktherm, County Milk Products, Comcen, Ashley Hughes Cyf, Gemak, Plus Packaging, Anglesey Commercials, Taro Deg, Danisco, Norseland, Calibre Control, Tetra Pak, Albion Systems, Encase and Q-Pulse”
South Caernarfon Creameries recently presented a cheque to Dai John, Head of Awareness at Prostate Cymru. He commented,
“The Charity is extremely grateful for this fantastic contribution which will help men in Wales.”
Prostate Cymru offer workplace talks to help to raise awareness and help employees to learn more about health habits and early detection and South Caernarfon Creameries is now looking to organise sessions for staff in future.
Any concerns about prostate health you can contact the Specialist Nurse on 0800 470 200 or Prostate Cymru on 02920 340029.
Wales’ oldest dairy farming co-operative, South Caernarfon Creameries, is celebrating a record scoop of 80 awards after impressing judges with their expanding range of innovative Welsh-made cheeses and butter made with Welsh milk.
Foodie experts across the UK awarded twenty gold awards to South Caernarfon Creameries in 2019, including top prizes for a unique new Smoked Cheddar made in partnership with Anglesey salt makers Halen Môn, as well as their classic Mature, and Mild Cheddars.
The co-operative impressed judges at some of the country’s most prestigious food and agricultural shows including the British Cheese Awards held annually at the Bath and West Show, the Royal Highland Show in Scotland, and the International Cheese Awards held at Nantwich.
South Caernarfon Creameries has 130 farming members who supply milk from across North and Mid Wales to the factory it has occupied at Chwilog near Pwllheli, for more than 80 years.
There, the co-operative’s 130-strong staff make Wales’ much-loved Dragon brand products, as well as own-label products for the retail, wholesale and export markets.
Among SCC’s cheeses that scooped gold prizes across the UK this year were the were Wensleydale, Mature Coloured, Cheshire, Red Leicester, Vintage Cheddar with Leeks, Half Fat and Caerphilly.
SCC’s Dragon brand Butter secured the top Overall Dairy champion prize and a Gold prize at the prestigious Royal Highland Show.
Butter from the dairy also secured a further five Gold prizes at the British Cheese Awards held at the Bath and West Show, the Royal Welsh Show, Frome Agricultural & Cheese Show, Mid Somerset Show, and the Devon Show.
The dairy’s classic Mature Cheddar brought home the Best Block cheddar and a Gold award from the British Cheese Awards, where the dairy overall secured 15 prizes, including a Gold for the Extra Mature Cheddar.
There were 20 prizes in total secured at the Royal Welsh Show including Gold and Silver for the Smoked Cheddar, with Golds also for the dairy’s popular Wensleydale, Cheshire and Mature Coloured cheeses.
A host of other prizes were brought home from Frome Agricultural & Cheese Show where there were Golds for SCC’s Caerphilly, Vintage Cheddar with Leeks, and Half fat cheeses, the Mid Somerset Show, where there were first prizes for the dairy’s Mature Cheddar, Red Leicester, Cheshire, Vintage Cheddar with Leeks, and Butter, and the Devon Show where the Reduced Fat cheese and Butter both won first prizes.
Alan Wyn Jones, Managing Director at South Caernarfon Creameries said:
“We’re very pleased indeed to have secured 80 prizes making this a record-breaking year at South Caernarfon Creameries.
“The results are testament to the high quality of the milk supplied by our farming members across north and mid-Wales, and the excellent work by our staff here on the Llyn Peninsula to maintain such a high quality across the full variety of products.
“We have been delighted this year to release our new handcrafted range and to in particular it was fantastic to see the Smoked Cheddar, which was developed with our partners at Halen Mon, receive so many awards.
“We are very proud that out traditional butter continues to impress. It was a particular star of the Royal Highland Show in Scotland which was a prestigious win against tough competition from across the UK.
“We continuously work to develop new products and refine our existing ones, and this will be ongoing as we continue to secure more suppliers to bring our Welsh made products to the tables of more and more dairy lovers.”
Cutting edge technology is being used to help make cheese in North Wales thanks to a £350,000 investment in a robotic milking machine that allows cows to milk themselves, at a pioneering farm.
Award winning farmers James and Alec Cowan are among the newest members to sign up to Wales’ largest dairy farming co-operative, South Caernarfon Creameries (SCC), which makes Dragon cheese on the Llyn Peninsula.
The brothers have installed a robotic milking machine which learns the identity and individual characteristics of every cow in the 120-strong herd, at their mid Wales farm Blaencwmpridd in Llandysul, Ceredigion.
The machine, developed in Holland, is designed to milk cows when they are ready, so when their udders are full they can walk into one of two milking pens of their own accord – resulting in happier cows and increased production.
The automated system identifies cow by its electronic tag and if it has been milked too recently, an electronic gate leads it out.
If the cow is ready then the udders are brushed and cleaned before a built in laser pin points exactly where to attach to them. The robot’s technology build an electronic image of the shape of each cow’s udders so the grip is as gentle as possible.
The technology is predicted to increase milk production at the JH Cowan & Sons farm to 1.2 million litres a year at, with milking going on 24 hours round the clock and cows being milked up to five times a day.
The milk is then collected by South Caernarfon Creameries and taken to the co-operative’s cheesemaking plant at Chwilog on the Llyn Peninsula, where it is turned into cheese for distribution across the globe, including the Dragon brand.
James explained the technology has enabled the farm to make the move into dairy as an SCC supplier, having previously specialised in beef production for which the brothers have won awards including the 2012 Welsh Charolais HCC Suckler Herd of the Year.
He said:
“It is fascinating to watch how it works, the cows wander in and it picks up the teats every time.
“The robot uses lasers to learn the shape of the individual cows so it knows how to fit best with each one. It is better for the animal welfare, because they are milked when they are ready.
“It works on all levels. Happier animals provide better food. It will increase milk production too because we are milking when the cow is ready.
“We produce between 4,000 litres and 8,000 litres a day so overall we will increase production to 1.2 million litres a year.”
He added:
“It’s amazing to think that when my father came to Wales in 1948 as part of the war effort he was 14 and they were milking cows by hand, now I am milking cows with robots.”
South Caernarfon Creameries has 130 farming members across North and Mid-Wales and processes more than 100m litres of Welsh milk each year to make a wide range of cheeses for the retail and wholesale market.
Alan Wyn Jones, MD at South Caernarfon Creameries, said:
“We are delighted to welcome James and Alec as members at South Caernarfon Creameries.
“Our farming members are at the heart of everything we do to create high quality cheese here in Wales and it is fantastic for us to be able to work together with them to help secure the future of dairy in Wales.”
James and Alec are among around 5% of UK farmers who currently use robotic milking.
They signed up as members with South Caernarfon Creameries after deciding to switch from beef production to dairy, to secure the long-term future of the farm. The investment has also funded a 10 metre extension of their milking shed to create 132 stalls.
James said:
“It’s been a significant investment for us but we care confident we can make it work. We were keen to diversify into dairy as it just makes good sense economically for us as a business.
“We have a very good partnership with South Caernarfon Creameries. When we were looking to switch to milk production we liked what they offered to members because they are a co-operative, but also because they have good supply contracts that will help secure our future too.”
Wales’s oldest dairy farming co-operative is celebrating record sales of £52.9m and creating 11 new jobs taking the staff team to 130.
South Caernarfon Creameries, based in Chwilog, near Pwllheli, has expanded its product range, grown its customer base and recruited more Welsh farmers as supplying members.
The creamery, which makes Dragon branded cheeses and butter plus a wide range of award-winning products for the retail, wholesale and export markets, saw a 17% increase in sales in the last financial year.
It means total sales generated by the plant at Chwilog near Pwllheli have increased by some 60% in the last two years. The growths follows a major £13.5m investment to expand its production and packaging facilities in 2016.
SCC’s annual financial report just published for the year ending March 2019 show the company’s operating profit at £2.2m.
It comes after the staff team was expanded to 130, with eleven more staff taken on, generating a total wage bill worth £3.3m to the local economy in North Wales, on top of £37m in payments to the co-op’s 130 farming members for their milk.
The dairy produces 14,000 tonnes of cheese a year using 100% Welsh milk from 130 farming members across north and mid Wales.
Among a clutch of new sales achieved in the year was a contract to supply retail giant Tesco with the new Dragon Handcrafted range of cheeses. The innovative new range was created in collaboration with three other Welsh businesses Halen Môn, Penderyn Whisky and Llechwedd Slate Caverns.
It includes a Maplewood Smoked Cheddar developed with the smokery at Halen Môn, which recently scooped Gold and Silver prizes at the Royal Welsh Show, and was showcased to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on a visit to Anglesey this spring.
South Caernarfon Creameries Sales and Marketing Co-ordinator Megi Williams with Dragon brand cheeses.
In order to support its ongoing growth, several new farmers have been signed up to supply the co-operative in the last year, following a recruitment drive launched at their 80th anniversary celebrations in 2018.
Alan Wyn Jones, Managing Director at South Caernarfon Creameries said:
“These are exciting times for all of us at South Caernarfon Creameries.
“The Directors of the business are satisfied with the overall financial performance for the period which were in-line with expectations.”
“We are delighted to have posted record sales for the second year running, helping to secure the futures for our staff here at Chwilog, our suppliers, our farming members, and our wider stakeholders.”
“Our business growth and success is the result of our staff and members’ hard work in producing high quality and innovative products and service to our customers”.
“Following major capital investment in recent years in our facilities our focus has been to maximise the operational capacity available to us whilst growing and developing a diverse and high-quality customer base.
“We now have a strong platform in place, a platform that we shall continue to build upon with the objective of providing our farmer members and staff a sustainable future”.
“With the current political uncertainty having an impact on the markets that we serve, the current environmental is a challenging one but we remain focused on adding as much value as possible in all that we do.
“We are committed to ongoing investment in our business and we face the future with excitement and confidence for ongoing progress and success”.
SCC was recently named as a Rural Business Awards (RBA) finalist in the Wales & Northern Ireland award in the Best Rural Food or Drink Business category, with the winner due to be announced in November.
The company has occupied the same base a Chwilog in an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the rural Llyn Peninsula for more than 80 years and has deep roots in the local area.
The majority (98%) of SCC’s 130 staff live within 20 miles of the plant. The company’s slogan: “Making award winning cheese, every day until the cows come home” was celebrated in two television adverts to mark St David’s Day.
The company is an ambassador for high quality responsible dairy production, championing the Welsh provenance of its products.
For more information about South Caernarfon Creameries visit www.sccwales.co.uk or visit the Dragon website www.dragonwales.co.uk , or you can find them on social media @SCCWales @DragonDairy
Feature image: South Caernarfon Creameries Sales and Marketing Co-ordinator Megi Williams with the new Dragon Handcrafted range of cheeses developed and launched in the last year.
A trio of specialty handcrafted cheeses produced by Wales’ oldest dairy farming co-operative have secured a listing on the shelves of Tesco stores across the nation.
Tesco has signed an exclusive supermarket deal to stock South Caernarfon Creameries’ new Dragon Handcrafted range at large stores across Wales. The range includes a new Maplewood Smoked Cheddar, developed with the smokery at iconic Anglesey brand Halen Môn, in its Welsh stores.
It is joined by a Slate Cavern Aged Cheddar, which is matured 500 feet underground in the Llechwedd slate cavern at Blaenau Ffestiniog, in a traditional method used for centuries in France to achieve a deeper flavour.
Completing the trio for Tesco is Dragon’s Handcrafted Penderyn Whisky Cheddar, made by infusing the Slate Cavern Aged cheddar with a Madeira finish whisky from the iconic Welsh distillery.
The new triple listing is a significant boost for South Caernarfon Creameries (SCC), which has operated for more than 80 years at Chwilog on the Llyn Peninsula where is employs 130 staff.
The co-operative, founded in 1938 to get a fair price for farmers for their milk, makes all of its products with 100% Welsh milk, supplied by more than 130 farming members across North and Mid Wales.
SCC has been supplying Tesco for more than two decades and the latest listing builds on the existing lines it sells through Tesco’s Welsh stores.
The co-operative’s Managing Director Alan Wyn Jones said:
“We are delighted that Tesco will be supplying our trio of Dragon Handcrafted cheeses for their stores across Wales.
“The Dragon Handcrafted Cheese range is something we have been working on for some time.
“We have taken some of the best Welsh high-quality ingredients, rooted in local heritage, and created a premium range of handcrafted cheeses to truly be proud of.
“We worked closely with experts at Halen Mon, Llechwedd slate cavern, and Penderyn whisky to develop these unique flavours.
“The results are testament to the quality of the produce from our farmers, as well as the skill of our cheesemakers, and we are sure they which will be a luxury compliment to any cheese platter.”
Tesco’s Buying Manager for Wales Matt Downes said he was pleased to be putting the three new products on Tesco’s shelves.
“We know that consumers in Wales are rightly proud of the great local produce that is made here in Wales,” he said. “We are always on the look-out for quality products that our customers will want to buy, and we work closely with our long-standing food and drink suppliers to see what exciting new products they are developing.
“Having tasted these three new lines I am hopeful our shoppers will like them as much as I have, and will pick up these distinctively Welsh products from their local store.”
The innovation behind the three new products has been made possible thanks to SCC’s investment in a dedicated new product development and marketing team, who constantly research the market and experiment with new ideas.
The creamery, which processes more than 100 million litres of Welsh milk each year, still occupies its original site at Rhydygwystl, near Chwilog. Other Dragon brand cheeses made by South Caernarfon Creameries range from Mild Cheddar to a full-bodied Vintage Cheddar.
Runner Behind Pen Llŷn Ultra Marathon Reveals Diet Secret Behind His Endurance Running Ability – Cheese Made by Wales’s Oldest Dairy Co-Operative
The ultramarathon runner behind one of Wales’s toughest endurance challenges has revealed the secret to his success– a diet fuelled by Dragon cheese made on the Llŷn Peninsula.
Huw Williams has run thousands of miles including the world’s toughest ultramarathon, the gruelling 250km Marathon de Sables in the Sahara desert, and now organises the Pen Llŷn Ultras which pushes endurance athletes to their limit running up to 100km in a day.
The 46-year-old dad-of-two from Pwllheli, credits his endurance running ability with munching on Dragon cheese from his local dairy South Caernarfon Creameries.
Huw is sharing his unusual diet tips in order to help other runners get prepared for this year’s Pen Llyn Ultras event, which will see up to 200 endurance athletes running distances of 50, 75 and 100 miles around the Llŷn Peninsula, on June 29.
He will even be holding a cheese and pasta party the night before to get participants fuelled up, with the crucial ingredient served up by South Caernarfon Creameries.
An ultramarathon is anything over the distance of a marathon, which is 26.2 miles or 42.195 kilometres, so those taking part in the 100 miles Pen Llŷn Ultras will be running almost four times the distance of a marathon.
Huw first started eating a ‘fat adapted’ diet fuelled by Dragon cheese two years ago, when he was training for the 2017 Marathon de Sables, having hit a “wall” running his first ever ultramarathon, the 2016 Snowdonia 50.
Huw said:
“I hit an almighty wall at 30 miles on the Snowdonia 50, and it made me realise how crucial diet was if I was going to run these great distances. I started training with a high fat, high protein keto diet, and the results were phenomenal.
“Without the cheese from SCC I wouldn’t have finished in the top half of all the runners in the world in the Marathon de Sables. I’m no top athlete but it shows if you have the right balance of nutrients then you can generate the power you need.”
Huw has now run several ultramarathons including official events and his own independent adventures – such as running 135 miles once from his cowshed to Birmingham to attend a running show, and running 120 miles from Holywell to Nefyn along the ancient Pilgrim’s Way path, for charity.
He explained that by eating a diet rich in good fats and protein, the body enters a ‘fat-adapted’ state known as ketosis, enabling athletes to burn fuel highly efficiently while avoiding the sugar highs and energy crashes that can be associated with a high carb diet.
His routine when preparing for an ultramarathon event involves eating huge amounts of cheese from Wales’s oldest dairy farming co-operative, South Caernarfon Creameries.
Huw, Race Director for the Pen Llŷn Ultras, said:
“More and more endurance athletes are now turning to a ‘keto’ or ‘fat adapted’ diet to help them to keep going over long distances.
“This nutritional plan is where you remove the majority of your carbohydrates and your body enters a ‘keto’ state where it becomes efficient at burning fats as a primary fuel.
“When you are running long distances you don’t want a spike of energy, you want to keep your heart rate below an aerobic level, so you are at a constant slow burn like a candle, and you can keep going for longer.”
“You don’t want to risk having a carb or sugar crash, and you don’t want to be reaching for a packet of crisps.”
Huw, who is also UK organisational representative for the International Trail Running Association said:
“One of the best sources for good fats as well as things like coconut oil and avocados, is cheese.
“In particular Dragon cheese is great because per 100g you have got high proportions of high-quality fats and proteins from natural sources and zero carbohydrates.
“It is very easy to digest because it has not been over processed, so it is very close to the protein and fat as it comes in its natural form.”
When he is training every meal involves generous portions of cheese so Huw can get enough protein and healthy fats into his system – and he even snacks on cheese in between meals.
“Usually I start with the keto diet six months before an event,” said Huw. “Breakfast would typically include sliced cheese, bacon, and boiled eggs, or some avocados with cheese.
“I also use the Dragon butter in my bullet coffee, which is coffee in a blender with coconut oil and butter, and that really does help boost your keto energy levels too.
“For lunch and dinner I’d have cheese and chicken salad, or avocado and cheese salad, and lots of omelettes with different types of Dragon cheese to keep the flavour varied. I also snack of cheese, macadamia nuts, and avocados in between – I can carry those with me easily when I’m out running.”
He says the Dragon brand cheese made by the creamery, based at Chwilog near Pwllheli is particularly good as it is made with the best quality milk from its 130 dairy farming members across north and mid-Wales.
He said:
“I run through the fields where the cows are grazed to make it, and they are very lush which gives you an idea why the cheese is so good.”
The Pen Llyn Ultra marathon is now in its fourth year having been launched in 2016 with distances of 75 miles and 50 miles, and last year a 100 mile distance was added.
More than 180 runners have so far entered the 2019 Pen Llyn Ultras event with up to 200 expected to take part from all over the UK and beyond, including international participants from Kansas, Morocco, France, Belgium, Israel and Ireland.
Sponsors for the 2019 event include Dragon cheese (South Caernarfon Creameries), Jenics property management, Griffith Williams & Co accountants, Abererch Sands holiday centre, Likeys, and Mentrau Bach, with more partners listed on the event website.
Alan Wyn Jones, MD at South Caernarfon Creameries, said:
“We are very proud to have supported Huw over the last two years with his athletic endeavours.
“He is a true inspiration and we take great pride in the fact that our cheese made here on the Llŷn Peninsula using milk from farms across North and mid-Wales, is contributing to his success.
“We pride ourselves on the high nutrient content of the milk that goes into our cheese, and Huw’s success is testament to that quality.”
“We are proud to sponsor the Pen Llŷn Ultras as an exciting and increasingly popular event showcasing the very best of our community and countryside to an international audience of sporting champions.”
Huw first started running on a whim, in 2013.
He said:
“There was nothing good on the telly and my wife said why don’t you go for a run and I did. And then I went back out again the next day, and every day after that. Then me and my friend set up the running club in Pwllheli, Llŷn Striders.
“I have put over 200 people on the couch to 5k programme. We have people running everything from 5k to 200miles. The Pen Llŷn Ultra is a community event, we are really pleased to be able to put on local events because it’s good for local people and good for the local economy too.”
He said:
“The Marathon des Sables is the toughest race on the planet, and I was inspired to keep that spirit of adventure going.
“It’s physically a real high to complete a challenge like that, the euphoria you get is incredible. It’s also about having a laugh and it’s something everyone can do really, you just need to train.
“It’s about perseverance and the adventure. It’s putting yourself into an environment where the feeling and the memories you create last way, way after the event finishes.”
Welsh Halen Môn Salt and Welsh Dragon cheese launch first sea salt cheese as part of new handcrafted range.
The first cheese made with Welsh sea salt has been launched in a unique partnership between iconic Anglesey brand Halen Môn and Wales’s oldest dairy co-operative South Caernarfon Creameries. The new Sea Salt Cheddar made with 100% milk from Welsh cows at South Caernarfon creameries’ factory in Chwilog near Pwllheli, uses pure Halen Môn sea salt made by pumping seawater from the Menai Strait of Anglesey each day.
As the first sea salt cheese to be made in Wales, it will sit as part of the Dragon brand’s new Handcrafted range, which is to be launched at the Taste of Wales international trade conference in Newport on March 20 and 21. The luxury range of speciality cheeses produced under the Dragon label by South Caernarfon Creameries will also feature a cheddar aged in the Llechwedd slate caverns at Blaenau Ffestiniog, and a speciality version made with Penderyn whisky.
The new Sea Salt Cheddar was created thanks to a major £13.5m investment in the South Caernarfon Creamery (SCC) cheesemaking plant on the Llŷn Peninsula. This has allowed SCC to take a flexible approach to developing bespoke new cheeses using traditional open table cheesemaking techniques, which can be produced on a large scale to meet modern retail and consumer demands.
The first sea salt cheese has been in development for two years thanks to Linda Lewis Williams, new product development manager at South Caernarfon Creameries, and Halen Môn’s owners, husband and wife team Alison and David Lea-Wilson.
“It is a marriage made in heaven”, said Linda: “We have taken two iconic brands, both rooted in high quality Welsh provenance and created a cheese for Wales to truly be proud of. Salt has always been used in cheese as it is the ultimate preservative, it also brings out the depth of flavour in the cheese. We’re really excited about this partnership between SCC and Halen Môn, and to be able to launch it as part of our new Handcrafted range at Taste of Wales is the icing on the cake.”
Linda Lewis Williams, new product development manager at South Caernarfon Creameries (centre) with Halen Môn’s owners, David and Alison Lea-Wilson (left and right)
Linda added:
“The sea salt gives it a really lovely flavour. It’s not too strong but the salt brings out the flavour of the cheese. It is best eaten at room temperature, not straight out of the ‘fridge.”
Halen Môn sea salt is made 100% from the clean, clear seawaters of the Menai Strait and has EU Protected Designation of Origin status.
David Lea Wilson said:
“Just as with a fine wine the quality depends on the terroir of the soil, the quality of the ingredients are what sets this cheese apart. We have harnessed the fantastic raw materials we have here in the clean seawater of the Menai Strait, and the milk from the cows fed by the lush grass of north and mid Wales. You can taste the minerals of the salt in the cheese and it is just a wonderful, delicious product.”
The first sea salt cheese will be officially launched at The Taste of Wales event brings together the leading exponents of the food and drink industry in Wales, providing an opportunity for buyers and producers to develop new business. It’s the latest in a range of innovations to be launched by SCC which last year celebrated its 80th anniversary.
SCC Managing Director Alan Wyn Jones said:
“The handcrafted range is something we have been working on for some time, we wanted to provide a luxury range celebrating the provenance of some of our finest Welsh ingredients. This has been made possible thanks to the significant investment in our cheese making plant on the Llyn Peninsula, allowing us to create unique infusions and blends using traditional techniques but producing on a large scale for the retail market. The first sea salt cheese results are testament to the quality of the produce from our 128 farming members across north and mid Wales as well as the skill of our cheesemakers. We are delighted to be launching the range with the sea salt cheese in collaboration with Halen Môn. The two companies and brands are an excellent complement to each other.”
Alison Lea-Wilson added: “Everyone who has tasted the sea salt cheese loves it, without exception. This is a very proud Welsh collaboration and a partnership we hope to continue into the future.”
Schoolgirl Efa Roberts is the face of inspirational campaign celebrating pride in Wales
A schoolgirl from Gwynedd is the face of an inspirational TV and social media campaign celebrating pride in Wales which started in the run-up to St David’s Day.
Aspiring actress Efa Roberts, 12, a pupil at Ysgol Tryfan in Bangor, plays the lead role in the advert from Dragon cheese, launched by Wales’s oldest dairy farming co-operative South Caernarfon Creameries based on the Llŷn Peninsula.
Carrying the tagline “Proud to be Welsh”, the campaign is being launched in conjunction with a social media campaign encouraging people to share what makes them proud to be Welsh, with the hashtag #whatmakesyouproud
The advert, which started appearing on screens ahead of the big day on March 1, celebrates the fact Dragon cheese is made locally in Chwilog, with 100 per cent Welsh milk sourced from South Caernarfon Creameries’ 129 farming members across north and mid Wales.
It features Efa Roberts reading out a poem about what makes her proud. She says:
“What makes me proud to be Welsh is my dad. Days with him on the farm are the best I’ve had. He gets up with the sun as the cows are grazing.
“He works so hard and his hugs are amazing. I’m never prouder to be from this land than seeing my family give a helping hand, in making the best cheese I’ve ever had. So from the bottom of my heart… Diolch dad.”
It is the second advert Efa Roberts has starred in for Dragon cheese. In the first released last autumn, she featured with her on-screen “dad”, played by real-life dairy farmer John Hughes from Ynysgain Fawr, near Criccieth, a member of the SCC co-operative.
The campaign follows a rebrand of the Dragon brand as South Caernarfon Creameries expands its retail base across Wales.
The social media campaign is encouraging people to share #whatmakesyouproud, on their social media accounts @sccwales and @dragondairy as St David’s Day approaches.
It’s the latest acting opportunity for Efa Roberts, who is in Year 8 at Ysgol Tryfan, and a former pupil at Y Felinheli primary school.
She has been a member of the SBARC drama group that meets at Galeri Caernarfon since Year 3, and has previously done voiceover work for Paw Patrol, and a Welsh version of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, for Welsh language TV production company Cwmni Da.
Her first on-screen acting role was a one-hour Christmas special episode of popular S4C children’s show Deian a Loli, also a Cwmni Da production, in which the stars went back in time to meet their grandma played by Efa Roberts, and discovered she has magical powers.
The Dragon TV adverts were filmed in Welsh and English, by Bafta Cymru winning Welsh film making company Copa. It’s the first time Efa has taken a lead role in any broadcast production.
Efa lives in Felinheli with mum Mari, dad Gerald, and two brothers Harri and Ianto.
Mum Mari said Efa has been very fortunate to have many opportunities throughout primary school and the Urdd, to gain experience of being on stage whether in a choir, recital parties or musicals.
She said:
“Efa loves acting, she thrives on it. Doing Deian a Loli was the biggest thing she has done so far before this advert for Dragon cheese.
“This is the first time she’s played the lead role so it’s been a good opportunity for her. It all helps to developing her confidence.”
The first advert was filmed on location at John Hughes’ farm while the second was filmed at Ysgol Gymraeg Rhyd-Y-Grug Welsh medium primary school in Aberfan, Merthyr Tydfil. It features children in a classroom listening to Efa Roberts reading out the poem.
Efa Roberts said:
“It was great fun. I really enjoyed doing it. I liked meeting the other children.
“It made me feel very happy to be part of the advert. I enjoyed the experience and learned a lot.”
“I am very proud of being Welsh and it was great to be part of an opportunity to celebrate that. We may be a small country but we have a lot to offer and it’s good to sell that.”
“When I see it on TV I will feel like it’s very special because I helped make that advert.”
Last year South Caernarfon Creameries celebrated its 80th anniversary, following a £13.5 million investment in their new cheese production and packing plant at Chwilog, under the leadership of Managing Director Alan Wyn Jones.
The creamery’s investment has resulted in a 25 per cent increase in production in less than two years, and the winning of several major new contracts.
Sales reached a record high of £45.1 million for the year to March 2018 and are projected to hit over £50 million in the current year. This resulted in members being paid one of the best milk price in Wales for the second year running.
SCC Managing Director Alan Wyn Jones said:
“We are proudly owned by our farming members, who are all Welsh and our cheese is made with 100% Welsh milk.
“We wanted to celebrate this in the run up to St David’s Day, at a time when we are recruiting more Welsh farmers and expanding our Dragon cheese sales across our retail customer base in Wales and growing our international markets.
“The story behind the advertising campaign was created to celebrate pride in being Welsh and also in family values and good local produce, which all reflect our ethos as a company.
“It was important for us to involve local people in the campaign. Efa Roberts was fantastic in the lead role. We have been producing Welsh cheese in Wales for eight decades and we think that is something to be very proud of.”
Efa’s mum Mari added:
“We have always eaten Dragon cheese. We’ve heard about South Caernarfon Creameries we’ve got family on the Llŷn Peninsula and so we know a bit about the company and I do prefer to shop local brands.
“It’s great that they do cheese slices now and the grated cheese, so the children can make themselves a sandwich.
“It’s nice to be supporting a local company and to be involved in what they are doing. They have rebranded and it looks really good.
“The story in the adverts is lovely, it’s very family orientated.”
A Red Leicester cheese made on the Llyn Peninsula with milk from Welsh cows has been named the best Red Leicester cheese in the world. Wales’ oldest dairy farmers’ co-operative South Caernarfon Creameries scooped Gold for their Red Leicester at the prestigious World Cheese Awards held in Norway.
Linda Lewis Williams with some award winning Red Leiscester
The creamery, which employs 130 staff at its base in Chwilog near Pwllheli, also won Silver for its Extra Mature Cheddar and Bronze gongs for its Medium Cheddar and Reduced Fat Cheddars, taking the total number of awards this year to 69. Earlier this year the Red Leicester which is available to wholesale customers in 20kg blocks and is sold as an own label at supermarkets across Wales, also won gold and silver prizes at the prestigious International Cheese and Dairy Awards in Nantwich. There, SCC won ten prizes also including a gold for the Dragon brand half fat and silver for the Reduced Fat Cheddars. The Dragon brand Reduced Fat cheese was also hailed the best in show Supreme Cheese at this year’s Royal Welsh Show, and Best Welsh cheese, making it the best cheese made in Wales.
It follows an exciting re-brand of the much-loved range of Dragon cheeses made by SCC, which is this year celebrating its 80th anniversary. It also follows a major £13.5 million investment in SCC’s new state-of-the-art cheese processing and packing plant, allowing new cheeses to be produced using traditional techniques on a modern industrial scale suitable for UK retail and export markets. In total this year SCC has secured 15 Golds, 22 Silvers, 26 Bronze and six other prizes at awards where their products have been judged among the best from other producers, including the Great Taste Awards, Devon Show, British Cheese Awards, Royal Welsh Show, International Cheese Awards, South West Cheese Awards, Global Cheese Awards, and the World Cheese Awards.
A staggering record-breaking 3,500 cheeses from every corner of the globe were entered in this year’s World Cheese Awards. They were judged by an international panel of 230 experts from 29 nations, with prizes handed out for Bronze, Silver, Gold, and SuperGold winners, as well as selected Trophy winners.
Alan Wyn Jones, Managing Director of South Caernarfon Creameries, said:
“The World Cheese Awards is a truly global cheese event which has been bringing together cheesemakers, retailers, buyers, consumers and food commentators for over three decades.
“We are delighted to have secured a Gold, Silver and two Bronze prizes for our cheeses, out of such a vast field of entries. This is great news not only for our staff but our 125 Welsh farming members whose milk goes to make the cheese.
“This has been a fantastic year for us, in total our cheeses have won a total 69 prizes making it our best year yet for awards, a wonderful achievement of which we are all very proud. “This is thanks in no small part to the expertise of our cheesemakers and the new technology we have installed thanks to our recent investments, all of which allows us to keep refining and developing the products to suit demand.
“The investment resulted in a 25% increase in production and our sales last financial year reached a record high of £45.1 million. This meant that our farming members were paid one of the best milk prices in Wales for the second year running.”
This year has also seen an exciting re-brand of the Dragon cheeses range. All of SCC’s cheeses are made using milk sourced 100% from its Welsh farming members, and every block can be traced back to the cow. Earlier this year the co-operative launched a recruitment drive for new farming members to supply milk. There are currently 125 supplying members and SCC remains Wales’ leading farmer-owned co-operative.
South Caernarfon Creameries was established in 1938 by 63 local farmers. By 1954, the number of farmer suppliers had grown to 120 and five years later the creamery began making cheese, sold as “Caws Llyn”. The creamery processes more than 120 million litres of Welsh milk each year to produce a range of butter and cheese products. It still occupies its original site at Rhydygwystl, near Chwilog. The location was carefully chosen on the border between Llyn and Eifionydd, two areas renowned for their Gulf Stream-warmed lush grass.
South Caernarfon Creameries the North Wales Farmers’ co-op launches a recruitment drive for new members as it celebrates 80th anniversary and record sales for second year running
South Caernarfon Creameries the booming farmers’ co-operative has launched a recruitment drive for new members to supply milk after posting record sales of £45 million.
The news was revealed by managing director Alan Wyn Jones at an open day to celebrate the 80th anniversary of South Caernarfon Creameries which employs 130 staff at its base near Pwllheli on the Llŷn Peninsula.
Over the last four years the company has invested £12 million in a state-of-the-art cheese production facility as well as redevelopment of their cheese packing plant.
According to Mr Wyn-Jones, they need more farmers to join the fold because of the demand for their cheeses and butter with record sales for the second year running.
The latest figures showed there was an impressive 36 per cent increase on sales of £45.1 million for the year just ended March 2018.
Mr Wyn Jones predicted the momentum would continue as the co-operative strives to conquer ever more exciting new markets.
He said:
“There is ever increasing demand for our products and we continue to innovate in order to add as much value as possible. Only last week we were at a International fancy food fair in New York working to get our Dragon cheese brand in front of the USA audience.
“After 80 years, our ambition to grow and add value is as strong as ever.”
As the co-operative, comprising of 127 farmer owners, looks forward to the next 20 years – and its eventual centenary – it wants to drive up sales even further.
Mr Wyn Jones said:
“With that in mind we are keen to recruit more all-year-round milk producing dairy farmers into our ranks.
“A number of potential newcomers were among the hundreds here at the open day touring our premises and seeing for themselves the opportunities South Caernarfon Creameries can offer them.”
The company produces a range of cheese and butter products and produces around 12,500 tonnes of cheese a year.
Among the newest members of staff to be recruited is Jordan Roberts, 23, the great grandson of the co-operative’s founder, the late John Owen Roberts, who in the 1930s had a vision to see Welsh dairy farmers work together to market their own milk.
Following a determined campaign his plan came to fruition in 1938 when the South Caernarfon Creameries co-operative was born. At first it focused on milk distribution, but in 1959 began cheese production.
John Owen Roberts was awarded an MBE for his outstanding contribution to the Welsh dairy industry. After his death the medal was given to South Caernarfon Creameries by Jordan’s grandfather, William Roberts, to keep in posterity.
Jordan, of Pwllheli, who works in the cheese processing area, was honoured to be part of the company his great grandfather founded, and to see it enjoying continued success.
He said:
“I’m proud to think something he started for the good of the whole farming community in Wales is still going strong today.”
Mr Wyn Jones said the co-operative had a pioneering history and it is still leading the way in Welsh dairy production today.
He credited its long-term philosophy of working to secure the best possible returns for its farmer members as being at the root of its success.
He said:
“We currently pay one of the highest milk prices in Wales and we work hard to innovate and take advantage of new technologies to ensure we produce the highest quality products on their behalf.
“Our aim is to produce fantastic products, unbeatable service to our farmer members and our customers, and to work on delivering new and different products to continually entice consumers.”
South Caernarfon Creameries farm liaison manager Peredur Williams said the co-operative draws its members from a large area stretching from North and Mid Wales.
He said:
“We welcome interest from dairy farmers across mid and north Wales in particular to joining our co-operative and be part of a very exciting and positive future.”
At the open day members of the public were able to see the entire process including learning how the milk is turned into cheese, matured and packed ready for distribution its range of customers.
They were given tours of the plant including visiting one long-term cheese storage warehouse where 5,000 tons of cheese is matured at a precise temperature of eight degrees centigrade, before it is graded then moved on for cutting.
Peredur explained:
“We produce a range of cheeses at different maturity levels, including our cavern aged cheese which is matured underground at the famous Llechwedd Slate Caverns in Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Slate Caverns representative Malcolm Chambers was on hand at the open day to give demonstrations of slate splitting and talk to the public about the intriguing history of the caverns and its slate production.
Other highlights included a pop-up shop selling limited edition Welsh Cavern Cheddar and Oinc Oink Cheese Sausages, a hog roast, cookery demonstrations using Dragon cheese and local produce, a refreshments marquee, kids’ corner, milk a cow experience, face-painting, picnic area, tombola, and a duck race with the first prize of a family day at Llechwedd where the Slate Cavern Cheddar is aged.”
Carys Davies attended the open day with her sons, Iori Dafydd Davies, 10 and 8 year-old Ceiri Tudor Davies.
Her husband, Malcolm Davies is a member of the co-operative, who produces milk from Nyffryn Farm, in Dinas, near Pwllheli.
She said:
“The open day is a great way for the local community to join in the celebrations and be part of an important anniversary and the boys have had a brilliant time.
“It’s been fun, educational and of course we’ve also been lucky enough to taste the best cheeses in Wales.”
Pictured is Peredur Williams Farm Liaison Manager at South Caernarfon Creameries & Shon Jones with the cheese.
South Caernarfon Creameries is opening its doors, to mark their 80th anniversary, to give a behind-the-scenes look at the award-winning creamery. The Open Day is being held on Saturday 7th July from 10am until 4pm with local people and visitors very welcome to come along.
Visitors can experience a guided tour of the creamery with it’s newly built multi-million pound cheese production and packing facilities. The tour will offer an insight into what happens to milk once it arrives on site from member farms and will follow its journey to the end process when the milk is made into traditional Welsh cheese and butter. Tours will be running all day and available on a first-come-first-served basis and anyone wishing to participate is required to wear closed, flat shoes. Only children over the age of 8 are able to join a tour.
The Open Day promises to be a great event with lots of activities planned. There will be a cookery demonstration to showcase recipes from the new Dragon recipe booklet using the creamery’s own Dragon cheese and butter. There’s a chance to take on the role of a Cheese Grader and taste a wide selection of cheeses which will also be available to buy from the pop-up cheese shop. Visitors can learn how to split slate to make a Welsh slate cheeseboard; demonstrated by Llechwedd Slate Caverns, the home of the maturation caverns where Dragon’s signature slate cavern aged cheddar is matured. Local farmers Ela and Huw, Oinc Oink will be barbecuing should visitors get hungry and wish to try, buy and eat some locally-reared pork.
Managing Director of South Caernarfon Creameries, Alan Wyn-Jones said
“The Open Day provides us with the perfect way to celebrate our 80th year in business. We look forward to welcoming our farmers, customers, local people and tourists in order to give all the opportunity to see our new production and packing facilities in operation as well as to showcase our extensive range of Welsh cheese and butter that we sell under the Dragon brand.”
South Caernarfon Creameries Limited was established in 1938 by a group of local farmers and today is Wales’ leading dairy farmer owned co-operative with 125 supplying members. Based on the Llyn Peninsula, Chwilog Nr Pwllheli, the creamery is at the heart of the community and employs 130 full-time local staff with the majority living within 20 miles of the Creamery.
Farmer members supply the creamery with over 100 million litres of quality Welsh milk thanks to their cows grazing on the lush Welsh pastures. Using the locally sourced Welsh milk, together with the skills and knowledge garnered over the generations, allows SCC to produce exceptional quality Welsh cheese and Welsh butter that have been recognised by major awards both nationally and internationally. A wide range of cheese and butter is supplied to the local Welsh market, to most UK major multiples and to international markets.
Proud of our Welsh roots, the Creamery retains a policy to only processing Welsh milk, has dual language on packaging and a successful brand of Welsh cheese and butter called Dragon.
Feature image: L-R Alan Wyn-Jones, Managing Director, Morgan Owen, Cheese Department and Gareth Parry, bulk milk reception.
South Caernarfon Creameries have Ruby and Silver Celebrations
South Caernarfon Creameries have two team members reaching major milestones so there have been celebrations all round.
Celebrating forty years at Wales’ leading and oldest farming co-operative is Morgan Owen. Morgan, who lives in nearby Llanarmon works in the creamery’s Cheese Department and is part of the team that makes all of the award-winning Dragon Cheeses as well as the cheese the Creamery makes for major supermarkets across the UK.
Also marking an employment landmark is Gareth Parry who has clocked up 25 years’ service at the Creamery. Gareth, who is affectionately known as Charlie, is based in the bulk milk reception. He is the first port of call for the milk tankers when they arrive at the creamery to unload the milk collected from local farms. Gareth also lives locally to the creamery in nearby Nefyn.
South Caernarfon Creameries, which celebrates its 80th birthday later this year, is at the heart of the community and employs 130 full time local staff, with the majority living within just 20 miles of the Creamery.
Marking their impressive commitment and service, both Morgan and Gareth were presented with a token of appreciation by Managing Director Alan Wyn-Jones.
South Caernarfon Creameries Limited was established in 1938 by a group of local farmers and today is Wales’ leading dairy farmer owned co-operative with 125 supplying members. Based on the Llyn Peninsula, Chwilog Nr Pwllheli, the creamery is at the heart of the community and employs 130 full-time local staff with the majority living within 20 miles of the Creamery. Farmer members supply the creamery with over 100 million litres of quality Welsh milk thanks to their cows grazing on the lush Welsh pastures. Using the locally sourced Welsh milk, together with the skills and knowledge garnered over the generations, allows SCC to produce exceptional quality Welsh cheese and Welsh butter that have been recognised by major awards both nationally and internationally. A wide range of cheese and butter is supplied to the local Welsh market, to most UK major multiples and to international markets. Proud of our Welsh roots, the Creamery retains a policy to only processing Welsh milk, has dual language on packaging and a successful brand of Welsh cheese and butter called Dragon.
Feature image: L-R Alan Wyn-Jones, Managing Director, Morgan Owen, Cheese Department and Gareth Parry, bulk milk reception
South Caernarfon Creameries’ Dragon branded Vintage Cheddar with Leeks has won Best Dairy Product 2018 at the Food Management Today Industry Awards.
This award-winning cheese, by South Caernarfon Creameries, perfectly exemplifies Dragon’s Welsh heritage. Made with milk produced by the creameries’ co-operative Welsh member farmers, Vintage Cheddar with Leeks is a hand-pressed bespoke cheese left to mature for at least 14 months. The addition of leeks, the national symbol of Wales, is a further ‘nod’ to Dragon’s Welsh roots with the leeks providing an oniony tang to the savoury cheddar and delivering a great depth of flavour.
The Food Management Today Industry Awards recognise creativity, innovation and excellence in British food and only award the best in the industry. Awards are presented to companies, associations, developments and personalities. There is a stringent judging process consisting of votes for products that have struck a chord with readers together with a select judging panel for product evaluation. Taste, texture, packaging, presentation and innovation are all considered.
Nick Beadman, Commercial Manager at South Caernarfon Creameries said:
“Our focus is very much on delivering quality products and service to our customers whilst ensuring what we do is sustainable for the entire supply chain, so awards that recognise the co-operative and our Dragon branded products as ‘best in class’ are an endorsement to our ongoing progress and development. The award comes following major investment in our production and packing facilities on our site in Chwilog, North Wales. Our all-encompassing facilities support our continued commitment to producing best quality cheese”.
The award ceremony was held at the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington and was hosted by Chef John Torode. Shon Jones, Cheese Grader at South Caernarfon Creameries collected the award on behalf of the co-operative.
This is the second time that the Welsh Creamery has received this award with their Welsh Slate Cavern Aged Cheddar being named Best Dairy Product 2016.
South Caernarfon Creameries, the farmer co-operative based in Chwilog near Pwllheli, has raised over £1000 for local charity Hospice at Home Gwynedd & Anglesey.
“South Caernarfon Creameries is committed to raising funds for local causes. We feel it is important to raise funds each year for charities that provide vital services in a rural community like ours. Each year we hold an annual Christmas Raffle and choose a charity to support” said Haf Williams of South Caernarfon Creameries. “This year, staff selected Hospice at Home Gwynedd & Anglesey. This fantastic charity is reliant on charitable donations, so we are pleased that our contribution will help make a difference.”
“We are extremely grateful to everyone who took part in the raffle, donated a prize or made a financial contribution in particular Brooktherm, MWL, Cwrw Llyn, Storax, Milgate, CHR Hansens, Comcen, Lion Hotel Criccieth, Portmeirion, Beer Gas Cymru, Tetra Pak, ICE, ALPMA, PFM, Gap Personnel, AP Thomas Architect, Rotary Group and David Kellet & Partners.”
South Caernarfon Creameries recently presented a cheque to Keri McKie, Community Fund Raiser for Hospice at Home Gwynedd & Anglesey. She said,
“We appreciate the support of such a fantastic local business and we are incredibly grateful to you all for the work you’ve done to raise this money.”
Hufenfa de Arfon 1938
The South Caernarfon Creameries’ story begins back to 1938 when John Owen Roberts had a vision to see dairy farmers working together to enable them to market their own milk.
At that time, farmers were reluctant to commit; there had been other milk co-operatives in the area that had already failed. There was additional resistance from farmers who were selling their milk directly to local people in the towns and villages of the Peninsula; they saw the milk co-operative as a threat to their livelihoods. Membership back in 1938 was a tentative 63 producer members.
The site for the Creamery was carefully chosen. Rhydygwystl was selected due to its convenient location, being on the border between Llŷn and Eifionydd and these two areas of North West Wales were and still are renowned for their grass growing capabilities due to enjoying mild drifts from the gulf streams of the Atlantic.
There was an old woollen mill on the site (which is where the laboratory stands today ) that provided the ideal space to house the milk processing equipment as well as the very first pasteurizer in the country. Even in its infancy the Directors knew the advantages of investing in the best and most modern technology of the time; something that is still practised today.
During World War II, each day milk packed into churns was exported by rail from nearby Chwilog directly to the cities of North West England. This business provided a much needed boost to the Creamery who passed on the extra profits this generated as bonuses for their members. At the end of World War II, the government realised how close the country had been to starvation during the previous five year war time. Their response was that agricultural production was to be encouraged and supported.
After the war, farmers were encouraged to improve land, livestock and crops and this had a massive impact for a relatively young farmer owned co-operative like South Caernarfon Creameries. By 1954, membership of the Co-operative had increased to 1,200. During this time the creamery set up two sister companies: Llŷn & Eifion Retailers, which sold the milk directly through milkmen to homes and businesses in the local area, and South Caernarfon Creameries’ Eggs, which supplied laying pullets and eggs from members’ farms to be sold on by the milkmen. Milk production and quality standards improved dramatically in the latter part of the 1950’s and again South Caernarfon Creameries was leading the way by paying farmers to produce cleaner and higher quality milk.
Milk production reached a record high and it was decided in the late 1950’s that cheese would be a good option for the surplus milk. The site began production in 1959 creating the brand ‘Caws Llŷn’. This proved to be a popular brand which is still recognised locally today.
Now 7,500 tonnes of cheese is made on site each year.
Despite being well known for producing high quality cheddar, however over the past 50 years the Creamery has been producing different cheeses:
In the early 1970’s Feta was produced and exported to Greece!
In the late 1970’s Idwal Lloyd Jones, then General Manager took a trip to Wisconsin in the USA and returned with a new cheese recipe – Monterey Jack. This cheese has been a great success and become a key brand.
A Lighter Cheddar was launched in 2012, 30% lower in fat than the standard Dragon mature cheese range.
Today, the range is extensive: a choice of Cheddars, from mild and creamy to vintage that is matured on site for up to 18 months. Traditional territorial cheese such as Double Gloucester, Red Leicester and of course, Welsh Caerphilly.
For much of It’s time, South Caernarfon Creameries has produced butter “Menyn Eifion”. In 2011, the Creamery once again invested in a traditional butter churn. The £350,000 investment ensured that Welsh butter could be made authentically and provided the flexibility in recipes and with the salt content.
Awarded for agriculture
South Caernarfon Creameries has been recognised as a forward-thinking co-operative that has been loyal to its members who in turn have worked tirelessly to ensure its success.
In the early 1970’s, founder, J.O. Roberts received the MBE for his foresight and drive in setting up a successful dairy co-operative and his services to Welsh agriculture.
South Caernarfon Creameries remains on its original site near Chwilog on the border of the picturesque Llŷn Peninsula.
Local farmer Rhisiart Lewis from Llangybi, near Pwllheli has stood down from South Caernarfon Creameries board of directors after 43 years’ service. Rhisiart has served on the Creameries’ Board since 1974 and became Chairman in 1996; a position he held for fifteen years. He remained on the Board and was a very active member of the Creamery before standing down at last month’s AGM.
In 2011, Rhisiart was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in recognition of his services to the Dairy Industry. Rhisiart Lewis commented:
“I have always had a great passion for the dairy industry and saw the benefits of co-operative working in agriculture. I was very proud to serve the Creamery for over 40 years, but the time has come to hand things over to the next generation. South Caernarfon Creameries has kept employment in an area where there aren’t too many opportunities and I’m very proud of that. I am pleased that at my final AGM, record profits were announced for the co-operative.”
Bernard Harris, Chairman at South Caernarfon Creameries said:
“We are obviously so grateful to Rhisiart for his hard work and continued passion over the decades. We are indebted to the phenomenal amount of time and effort he has invested in South Caernarfon Creameries. He’s been an important member of the Board in a period where the Creamery enjoyed significant growth and investment. We wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement.”
Based on the Llyn Peninsula in North West Wales, as an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and can be identified on the map as the pointing crooked ‘finger’, South Caernarfon Creameries is at the heart of this community. Our family owned dairy farm co-operative members are located in North Wales, Mid Wales and Ceredigion.
They supply us with exceptional quality milk thanks to their cows that graze on the lush Welsh pastures.
Using the locally sourced Welsh milk, recognised as amongst the very best, together with the skills and knowledge garnered over the generations, allows us to produce exceptional quality Welsh cheese and Welsh butter that have been recognised by major awards including the International Cheese Awards, British Cheese Awards, Global Cheese Awards and World Cheese Awards. We supply our wide range of cheese and butter to the local Welsh market, to major multiples across the UK and to international stores.
South Caernarfon Creameries, Wales’ oldest and largest farmer owned dairy co-operative has recently appointed two member farmers to the Board of Directors for a three year term.
The co-operative’s board includes five milk producer elected Directors whom are nominated by the 130 producer member farmers. Each farmer Director is elected from one of the four milk collection regions in North Wales and Mid Wales. Member producers Osian Williams and Malcolm Davies were appointed to the board of directors at the South Caernarfon Creameries co-operative’s recent AGM.
Osian Williams, who farms with his family in Llannefydd, Denbigh has been a member of the award-winning co-operative since 2006. Malcolm Davies farms with his family in Dinas on the Llyn Peninsula. Commenting following their appointment:
“South Caernarfon Creameries stands in a very positive position for the future due to the hard work and commitment of its staff. The investment the co-operative has made provides us with a strong platform for existing and future business. There is great potential for the co-operative to further extend business and undertake additional supply contracts and continue to grow and develop its quality sales book.”
“We are honoured to have been elected and able to represent the current membership. South Caernarfon Creameries is a forward-thinking business that works closely with its members to safeguard our future and deliver all-important growth and sustainability for member farmers and the Creamery alike.”
Alan Wyn-Jones, Managing Director at South Caernarfon Creameries said:
“It is vital that our member farmers have a voice in the running of the Creamery and our Directors are a conduit for key decision-making. We are therefore pleased to welcome Malcolm and Osian to the Board of Directors. They will be a great asset to the Board and have a very commercial outlook to business which is what’s required in our very competitive industry.”
At the AGM, South Caernarfon Creameries announced record profits for the period to March 2017; an operative profit of nearly £3 million (9%) on sales of £33.1 million was achieved compared to a profit of £389k (1.2%) on sales
South Caernarfon Creameries near Pwllheli, Wales’ leading dairy co-operative have reported a record profitable year for the period to March 2017. An operative profit of nearly £3 million (9%) on sales of £33.1 million was achieved compared to a profit of £389k(1.2%) on sales of £31.7 million in 2016.
In its annual report, sent out to its farmer Member shareholders last week states that the key drivers for the much improved financial performance were the improvement in dairy commodity markets in the second half of the year, the delivery of two major capital projects and the outcome of a quality sales book.
“The results for the period is very pleasing and is a reflection of the progress the co-operative has made across all of its activities in recent years. Having delivered two major capital projects in the last two years, the focus now is very much in ensuring that our improved performance is sustained in the longer term for the benefit of all of our farmer owners and staff. We have a very clear strategy for further growth, this involves growing our Welsh milk field, this can only further support Welsh agriculture and the local economy”.
The company employs circa 130 local full-time staff having increased its workforce by 30 during the year. The co-operatives Board of Directors are to propose a script dividend to its 127 farmer Members which is equivalent to 0.5ppl of their annual milk production; this will result in the average Member receiving £3,750 in additional shares.
For more information about South Caernarfon Creameries visit: www.sccwales.co.uk
Maintenance man Fred Williams has recently celebrate his golden work anniversary at South Caernarfon Creameries, clocking up 50 years’ service.
Starting out as a carpentry apprentice at the farmer-owned co-operative in 1967, fifty years later Fred’s still working as hard as ever and has become a valued and trusted member of staff at South Caernarfon Creameries. As the co-operative has grown and evolved over the past fifty years, so has Fred’s work, which no longer includes building the bodies of milk delivery floats and milk collection vans!
Fred Williams said:
“I’ve seen many changes over the years, staff and work wise but I have enjoyed, and still enjoy working at the creamery and have no regrets. There has been lots of fun and laughter in the last fifty years and I have made very good friends.”
Alan Wyn Jones, Managing Director said:
“During his service Fred will have seen enormous change in the workplace but he has always given 100% commitment and effort in every aspect of his work. His long-service is a truly remarkable achievement. On behalf of all of his work colleagues, our Directors and farmer Members we all thank Fred for his loyal service to the Society and long may it continue.”
Committed family-man Fred has reduced his working hours to spend more time with his wife, children and grandchildren, but has no plans to retire to just yet!
For more information about South Caernarfon Creameries visit: sccwales.co.uk
It’s been awards galore this year for Wales’ oldest and largest dairy co-operative South Caernarfon Creameries who are revelling in a collection of ‘British’, ‘Global’, ‘International’, ‘World’ and ‘Best Dairy’ awards for their Welsh cheese and butter.
This year alone, South Caernarfon Creameries’s Welsh dairy products have received almost 30 awards bestowed from numerous high profile events such as the British Cheese Awards, World Cheese Awards, International Cheese Awards and Global Cheese Awards. The Creamery swept the board with all of their cheese varieties taking top awards including Cheddars from Mild, Mature, Extra Mature and Vintage with Leek as well as the traditional territorial cheeses Caerphilly, Double Gloucester and Red Leicester. South Caernarfon’s traditional salted Welsh butter also received several awards.
It seems most fitting that the Welsh co-operative won most awards for their greatest nationalistic cheese: Welsh Slate Cavern Aged Cheddar, developed in conjunction with Sainsburys and matured 500 feet underground at Llechwedd Slate Caverns in Blaenau Ffestiniog. As well as taking awards from the likes of the Global Cheese Awards and World Cheese Awards, at the start of the year Welsh Slate Cavern Aged Cheddar won the Best Dairy Product 2016 at the Food Management Today Industry Awards which recognised creativity, innovation and excellence in British food.
The year ended on a high with South Caernarfon Creameries taking the Made in Wales Food & Drink Award 2016 which recognises the food or drink company in Wales that has made the biggest impact in areas such as innovation, use of Welsh products, added value, and commercial success. One Judge said:
“They’ve moved from being a commodity producer to an innovative producer, a huge undertaking”.
Alan Wyn-Jones, Managing Director at South Caernarfon Creameries said:
“Awards provide an independent assessment and point of reference for the quality standards of a range and focus on taste and quality rather than elaborate packaging. The fact that such a wide cross-section of our cheeses have been recognised provides further, independent, verification that our entire range is exceptionally high quality.”
“Our focus is continuous improvement on quality and service and these awards are further evidence that we are making significant progress as we strive to be the ‘Number One choice for Welsh cheese’. The Best Dairy Product and Made in Wales Food & Drink Award go a long way to endorse our objective.”
“Many thanks go to our committed staff and member farmers for all of their hard work and dedication.”
Lidl UK works with South Caernarfon Creameries to bring new Welsh cheese range and the new product will be available exclusively in Wales. Lidl UK, Good Housekeeping’s ‘Best Supermarket 2016’ and Britain’s lowest-priced supermarket* has announced that it is introducing a new range of Welsh Cheddar cheese under Lidl’s ‘Valley Spire’ brand.
This will be the first time that Lidl will stock an exclusively Welsh cheese range in Wales, complementing the other regional cheeses currently offered in stores. All of Lidl’s Valley Spire cheeses will be made using Welsh milk produced by farmers based in and around North and Mid Wales, underlining the retailer’s commitment to sourcing its products as locally to stores as possible.
The range will include specialties such as: Welsh Mild Cheddar, Welsh Medium Cheddar, Welsh Mature Cheddar and Welsh Extra Mature Cheddar.
The product selection will be supplied by a new contract between Lidl UK and South Caernarfon Creameries (SCC), which is owned by its 130 farmer member suppliers, located in North and Mid Wales. The SCC will provide authentic Welsh Cheddar to Lidl and also continue to supply the grocer with a Mature Cheddar from their own brand, Dragon, in Lidl’s Welsh stores.
Nick Beadman, National Account Manager at South Caernarfon Creameries said:
“We are extremely pleased to be supplying Lidl with its first Welsh Cheddar range to be sold nationally. Having recently opened our new cheese production facility at South Caernarfon Creameries, this new relationship with Lidl is significant for both our co-operative as well as the local economy.”
Working with a retailer like Lidl enables us to grow our stakeholders’ confidence for the future of our business, so we would like to thank Lidl for its continued support and look forward to a long working relationship with the supermarket.”
Joshua Smith, Senior Buying Manager at Lidl said:
“Extending our range to include Welsh Cheddar was an important and natural progression. South Caernarfon Creameries produce authentic Welsh quality products, which gives our Valley Spire range local provenance. We are incredibly proud that two thirds of the products that we permanently stock in our stores are sourced from British suppliers, including a number of Welsh suppliers with whom we have very strong relationships and remain part of our commitment to championing local farmers.”
Lidl’s success continues following a record-high turnover of £4.7bn for the 2015 financial year, with latest Kantar Worldpanel** figures showing a market share high of 4.6%. and year-on-year sales growth of 6.1%.
For more information about South Caernarfon Creameries visit: www.sccwales.co.uk
South Caernarfon Creameries will showcase slate-inspired accompaniments designed by local children from Pentreuchaf School at this year’s Royal Welsh Show.
The Welsh farmer co-operative were approached by the Pwllheli-based school to help on a project intended to educate the primary-school children about business and marketing.
The project, which the pupils decided to call ‘Menter Llechan Lan’, has been the focus of the school term. The school children have spent months designing and liaising with Cerrig, to devise a range of slate products that can be used with South Caernarfon’s Welsh Cavern-Aged Cheddar.
The pupils returned to South Caernarfon Creameries in June to present their designs in a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style forum, with the successful prototypes being made into finished goods that will be displayed and available to buy on the Creameries’ stand in the Food Hall at The Royal Welsh Show.
Linda Lewis-Williams, Product Development for South Caernarfon Creameries said:
“We were delighted to work with Pentreuchaf School and help the entrepreneurs of the future. They really took on board our requirements and embraced the project. We were really impressed with their creativity and approach. We are so pleased that we have some of the finished cheeseboards to show with our Slate Cavern-Aged Cheddar at The Royal Welsh Show.”
The slate cheeseboards will be available in conjunction with the Creameries’ own Slate-Aged Cheddar. The cheese is transported from the Creameries’ Chwilog base to the Llechwedd Slates Caverns in Blaenau Ffestiniog and left to mature 500 feet underground, in what is believed to be in the steepest mining maturation caverns. The Slate-Aged Cheddar is available under the Creameries’ Dragon brand from stores across Wales.
Visitors to the Royal Welsh Show will be able to see and buy the slate cheeseboards and taste the cheddar. Cheese tastings are throughout the day in the Food Hall.
For more information about South Caernarfon Creameries visit: www.sccwales.co.uk
By ageing in the cheese caverns, new recipes have been created to highlight the unique characteristics, with food and travel writers, Kacie Morgan of The Rare Welsh Bit and Llio Angharad of Dine and Disco blog.
Based on the Llyn Peninsula, South Caernarfon Creameries (SCC) is Wales’ oldest and largest dairy co-operative. It first started operating in 1938 when John Owen Roberts had a vision of all dairy farmers working together to enable them to market their own milk.
