Llandysul business showcases products at Senedd

Dà Mhìle Distillery, based at Glynhynod Farm, is a family-run independent farmhouse distillery committed to producing high-quality organic spirits and liqueurs and was part of the event organised by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association for Assembly Members and support staff to get a taste of the best of Welsh produce.

Mid and West AM Simon Thomas, shadow cabinet secretary for energy, climate change and rural affairs, met with Rob and Finn from Dà Mhìle and was impressed with what they had on offer.

Mr Thomas said: “A lot of the business people had a background in farming and found the wine and spirit industry as a way of diversification from their traditional enterprise.

“The food and drink industry employs a quarter of a million people in Wales with a turnover of £17 billion as well as a quarter of a billion pounds in exports.

“Exports increased nearly 13 per cent in the first six months of 2016—an increase of £15.2 million alone.

“Now is the time that we should be upping our game on branding food and drink from Wales as Welsh, with a clear story to tell about our excellent quality, the source of food, animal welfare and environmental standards. We must not let this be endangered by the Brexit process.

“Plaid Cymru has started a campaign for the right to brand food and drink from Wales as Welsh.

“It is important that Welsh food and drink is recognised as Welsh rather than it being draped in the Union Jack or marked as from some vague geographical Britain. This is vital for our nation’s self-confidence and economy.”

John-James Savage-Onstwedder, managing director at Da Mhile distillery said: "Every Welsh spirit should have PGS. We're currently working with Penderyn and the Welsh Government to gain PGS for Welsh whisky."

The company was founded by his father in 1992 and produces a variety of organic spirits and liqueurs. It began making gin in 2012 and last year produced 30,000 bottles.