Business

Best-loved imports include fajitas and chilli con carne

Published

11 years ago

July 17, 2014

GOOGLE, fajitas and chilli con carne have emerged on a list of Wales best-loved imports, research revealed yesterday.

A poll of 2,000 adults also saw Disney, French croissants, and Chinese food placed high on the list of things from other countries that have become a key part of everyday life. Research shows that the way to Brits hearts is through their stomach, with fajitas and spaghetti bolognese also appearing in the top 50 best-loved imports. The research, commissioned by experts in world food, Santa Maria, found 27 of the top 50 people, places and brands that we’ve adopted as our own were food-related items, showing the country’s passion for international food is ever-growing. Alongside our love of food, the passion for technology is clear – Google is a way of life with devotion to Facebook and iPhones also common and all three finishing high. And our love of great entertainment is also easy to spot – Friends, Sex and the City, Breaking Bad and even the adventures of Hercule Poirot have enthralled the region via the small screen. Yesterday a spokesman for Santa Maria said: ‘’The list shows a wide and varied array of things that have really had an impact on life in the UK and become a part of the culture here. “The rise of spicier food especially Fajitas and Nachos, shows the growing desire in UK consumers to pair flavour stimulation with the calming counterpart of corn based staple food notes – a balance perfectly delivered in Mexican style foods.” “The rise of tastier and more varied foods from Chinese through to Fajitas, which featured in the top 10 favourites, shows how consumers in the UK want tasty foods with more rapid flavour changes, texture spikes and challenges.” The international sex appeal of George Clooney and Brad Pitt sees them established as a part of British culture, while Kylie Minogue is also treasured. And the inimitable style of Quentin Tarantino’s big-screen films sees him included in the list of the best things from overseas. While we do love a touch of glamour – fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel perfume also appeared on the list. Narrowly missing out on the top 50 was legendary French footballer Eric Cantona and muscle-man Arnold Schwarzenegger, while the TV soap neighbours and website Buzz Feed also just missed out. The research showed the extent to which Brits fill their lives with international products one in five people currently watches more American TV shows than British. In fact more than a third of Brits were more likely to eat meals that originated overseas than they were to eat British classics like fish and chips or shepherd’s pie in a typical week. And when it comes to eating the British sense of adventure is growing with seven in ten feeling the range of foods eaten is wider than ever before. In terms of flavour, Brits palates are changing with Brits declaring themselves big fans of spicy food. Perhaps there’s no surprise then that eating out at Mexican, Chinese or Indian restaurants was found to be just as popular as choosing to eat in a pub, results showed. Taste psychologist, Greg Tucker, who worked with Santa Maria on the campaign said: ‘’The acquisition of foreign stimuli has long been an accepted part of UK life. Despite what many think it is actually true that the UK has a very open character to acquiring and making their own a whole range of foreign influences. ‘’The growing love for things such as Chinese, Mexican and Caribbean food has developed in a way in which they have become integrated into the British psyche and way of life. ‘’What was foreign to previous generations is fast becoming a part of life in 21st Century Britain – and this process will continue and accelerate as these new sauces and tastes become adopted in the household and children are exposed to them at a younger age.’’

10 BEST-LOVED IMPORTS IN WALES

1. Spaghetti Bolognaise 41%

2. Chinese food 40%

3. Google 39%

4. Disney 30%

5. Facebook 28%

6. Pasta 29%

7. Fajita 29%

8. Chilli con carne 26%

9. McDonald’s 26%

10. Friends 22%

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

3 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):

13 February 2026: AF4148 departs 17:00 (arrives 17:30)
14 February 2026: AF4148 departs 14:00 (arrives 14:30)
15 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
15 February 2026: AF4150 departs 19:40 (arrives 20:10)
16 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
16 February 2026: AF4150 departs 16:30 (arrives 17:00)

Cardiff (CWL) → Paris (CDG):

13 February 2026: AF4149 departs 18:20 (arrives 20:50)
14 February 2026: AF4149 departs 15:20 (arrives 17:50)
15 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
15 February 2026: AF4151 departs 21:00 (arrives 23:30)
16 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
16 February 2026: AF4151 departs 17:50 (arrives 20:20)

Business

Cwm Deri Vineyard Martletwy holiday lets plans deferred

Published

10 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

CALLS to convert a former vineyard restaurant in rural Pembrokeshire which had been recommended for refusal has been given a breathing space by planners.

In an application recommended for refusal at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Barry Cadogan sought permission for a farm diversification and expansion of an existing holiday operation through the conversion of the redundant former Cwm Deri vineyard production base and restaurant to three holiday lets at Oaklea, Martletwy.

It was recommended for refusal on the grounds of the open countryside location being contrary to planning policy and there was no evidence submitted that the application would not increase foul flows and that nutrient neutrality in the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC would be achieved within this catchment.

An officer report said that, while the scheme was suggested as a form of farm diversification, no detail had been provided in the form of a business case.

Speaking at the meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, after the committee had enjoyed a seasonal break for mince pies, said of the recommendation for refusal: “I’m a bit grumpy over this one; the client has done everything right, he has talked with the authority and it’s not in retrospect but has had a negative report from your officers.”

He said the former Cwm Deri vineyard had been a very successful business, with a shop and a restaurant catering for ‘100 covers’ before it closed two three years ago when the original owner relocated to Carmarthenshire.

He said Mr Cadogan then bought the site, farming over 36 acres and running a small campsite of 20 spaces, but didn’t wish to run a café or a wine shop; arguing the “beautiful kitchen” and facilities would easily convert to holiday let use.

He said a “common sense approach” showed a septic tank that could cope with a restaurant of “100 covers” could cope with three holiday lets, describing the nitrates issue as “a red herring”.

He suggested a deferral for further information to be provided by the applicant, adding: “This is a big, missed opportunity if we just kick this out today, there’s a building sitting there not creating any jobs.”

On the ‘open countryside’ argument, he said that while many viewed Martletwy as “a little bit in the sticks” there was already permission for the campsite, and the restaurant, and the Bluestone holiday park and the Wild Lakes water park were roughly a mile or so away.

He said converting the former restaurant would “be an asset to bring it over to tourism,” adding: “We don’t all want to stay in Tenby or the Ty Hotel in Milford Haven.”

While Cllr Nick Neuman felt the nutrients issue could be overcome, Cllr Michael Williams warned the application was “clearly outside policy,” recommending it be refused.

A counter-proposal, by Cllr Tony Wilcox, called for a site visit before any decision was made, the application returning to a future committee; members voting seven to three in favour of that.

Business

Welsh Govt shifts stance on business rates after pressure from S4C and Herald

Published

21 hours ago

December 3, 2025

Sarah-Jane Absalom

Ministers release unexpected statement 48 hours after widespread concern highlighted in Welsh media

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has announced a new package of tapered business rates relief for 2026-27, in a move that follows sustained pressure from Welsh media — including S4C Newyddion and The Pembrokeshire Herald — over the impact of revaluation on small businesses.

In Milford Haven, the hard-pressed pub sector is already feeling the impact: the annual bill for The Lord Kitchener is rising from £5,000 to £15,000, while rates at the Kimberley Public House have nearly doubled from £10,500 to £19,500. The Imperial Hall’s rates are increasing from £5,800 to £9,200, prompting director Lee Bridges to question why businesses “are being asked to pay more when we use less services”. In Haverfordwest, the annual rates bill for Eddie’s Nightclub is increasing from £57,000 to £61,500.

A written statement, issued suddenly on Wednesday afternoon, confirms that ministers will introduce a transitional “tapering mechanism” to soften steep increases for tourism, hospitality and small independent operators. Full details will be published with the draft Budget later this month.

The announcement comes less than two days after The Herald’s in-depth reporting brought forward direct concerns from Pembrokeshire business owners and councillors, highlighting the uncertainty facing one of Wales’ most important local industries.

Herald reporting credited by senior councillor

Pembrokeshire County Council Independent Group Leader Cllr Huw Carnhuan Murphy publicly thanked The Herald for pushing the issue into the spotlight.

In a statement shared on Wednesday, Cllr Murphy said: “Welcome news from Welsh Government. Thanks to Tom Sinclair for running this important item in the Herald in relation to the revaluation of businesses and the consequences it will have for many.

He added: “Newyddion S4C hefyd am redeg y stori pwysig yma ynghylch trethi busnes.,” which in English is “and thanks to S4C Newyddion as well for running this important story about business taxes.”

He added that the Independent Group “will always campaign to support our tourism and agriculture industry, on which so many residents rely within Pembrokeshire”.

Media spotlight increased pressure on Cardiff Bay

On Monday, ministers said business rates plans would be outlined “within the next two weeks”.
By Wednesday afternoon — following prominent coverage on S4C and continued pressure from The Herald — Welsh Government released an early written statement outlining new support.

Industry sources told The Herald they believed the level of public concern, amplified by the media, “forced the issue up the agenda much faster than expected”.

A cautious welcome for ‘better than nothing’

Cllr Murphy welcomed the partial support, though he stressed it fell short of what many businesses had hoped for.

“This isn’t the level of support many were hoping for,” he said, “but it is certainly much better than nothing.”

Draft Budget expected soon

The full tapered support scheme will be detailed in the Welsh Government draft Budget, expected within a fortnight.

Tourism and hospitality representatives have reserved final judgment until the figures are published, but many have expressed relief that some support will continue, following weeks of uncertainty.