Pembrokeshire Food and Drink Businesses Receive Protected Status

Two businesses in Pembrokeshire, The Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company and Velfrey Vineyard, have recently been granted protected status for their products. Velfrey Vineyard, located near Narberth, has received Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for its Velfrey NV Traditional Method Sparkling Brut and ‘Rhosyn’ 2021 Traditional Method Vintage Sparkling Brut Rosé wines. Meanwhile, The Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company, based at The Old Point House in East Angle Bay, has been given Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status for its Welsh Laverbread. The PGI and PDO schemes safeguard the name of a product from a specific region and ensure that it follows a particular production process.

Jonathan Williams, representing The Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company, expressed delight at this achievement, stating, “Laverbread is an essential part of Pembrokeshire’s food history. We are thrilled to receive this status, and we are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in cooking laverbread so that people near and far can savor our authentic Welsh product.” Jonathan Williams is deeply passionate about seafood and founded Café Môr in 2010. The business later became a part of The Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company, attracting investment in 2012. Laverbread, a significant element of Welsh cuisine, is made from cooked laver (seaweed) hand-picked from the Welsh coastline.

In 2017, Welsh Laverbread was granted PDO status, marking its strong connection to Welsh seascapes and communities. Andy Mounsey of Velfrey Vineyard also expressed delight at the PGI status, underlining the assurance it provides to customers regarding the wines’ origin and quality. He stated, “It’s fantastic that wine from Pembrokeshire is achieving this kind of recognition.” Velfrey Vineyard, established in 2016, has over 4,000 vines planted across three acres and is a family-run vineyard that prides itself on attention to detail. The vineyard, managed by husband-and-wife Andy and Fiona Mounsey and their son Ryan and his wife Sophie, is the current Food & Drink Wales Small Drinks Producer of the Year.

Lesley Griffiths, the Rural Affairs Minister, conveyed her joy at the protected status awarded to these Pembrokeshire food and drink businesses. She emphasized the significance of the Welsh wine industry and commended Velfrey Vineyard’s contribution to its success. Furthermore, she praised the dedication of Jonathan and his team in producing high-quality laverbread from the picturesque Welsh coastline. This recognition is a testament to the exceptional products and the unwavering commitment of both companies.