Business

Protected status for two Pembrokeshire food and drink businesses

Published

2 years ago

November 20, 2023

THE PEMBROKESHIRE BEACH FOOD COMPANY and Velfrey Vineyard are celebrating after joining a list of Welsh producers in seeing their products awarded protected status.

Velfrey Vineyard has been awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for its Velfrey NV Traditional Method Sparkling Brut and ‘Rhosyn’ 2021 Traditional Method Vintage Sparkling Brut Rosé wines.

Based at The Old Point House in East Angle Bay, the Pembrokeshire Beach Food company has been given Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status for its Welsh Laverbread.

The PGI and PDO schemes protect the name of a product which comes from a specific region and follow a certain production process.

Velfrey Vineyard, located near Narberth, is the current Food & Drink Wales Small Drinks Producer of the Year. Established in 2016, Velfrey has over 4,000 vines planted across three acres, and is a family-run vineyard which prides itself on attention to every detail.

The wines are made from three grape varieties, notably Pinot Noir, Seyval Blanc, and Solaris. The vineyard is run by husband-and-wife Andy and Fiona Mounsey along with their son Ryan and his wife Sophie.

Andy Mounsey at Velfrey Vineyard said: “We are delighted to have been awarded PGI status for wines made from grapes grown in our Pembrokeshire vineyard. Not only does this provide assurance to our customers about the wines’ provenance and quality, it also allows us to proudly proclaim on the labels that this is Welsh sparkling wine.

“Our NV sparkling brut has been selected by a panel of distinguished judges from WineGB as one of the UK’s top 100 wines, while our newly launched Rhosyn is getting both plaudits and orders from highly knowledgeable sommeliers.

“It’s fantastic that wine from Pembrokeshire is achieving this kind of recognition.”

In 2010, Café Môr was started by Jonathan Williams who has a passion for seafood. In 2012, after establishing the business, it attracted investment and became part of the Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company.

Laverbread is made from cooked laver (seaweed) which has been plucked by hand from the Welsh coastline and is rooted in Welsh history as a vital source of nutrition.

Welsh Laverbread was awarded PDO status in 2017 to celebrate its inherent ties to Welsh seascapes and communities.

Jonathan Williams at The Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company said: “Laverbread is an important part of Pembrokeshire food history and we are absolutely delighted to receive this status.

“We currently use laverbread in our seaweed butter, Lobster Welsh Rarebit and even in our Welsh cakes.

“PDO status means consumers have the confidence knowing they are eating the genuine Welsh product. We will continue to ensure it is cooked to the highest of standards so people from near and far can enjoy our Welsh laverbread.”

Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths said: “It is great news two Pembrokeshire food and drink businesses are seeing their fantastic products deservedly awarded protected status.

“Laverbread is a Welsh delicacy and Jonathan and the team’s hard work and commitment to producing a high-quality product from our beautiful coastline is being rightly recognised.

“Wales also produces some of the finest, most globally recognised innovative wine. The Welsh wine industry is thriving and Velfrey Vineyard is an important part of this success.

“A huge congratulations to both companies.”

Business

Holiday lets allowed to stay at Narberth dairy farm

Published

1 hour ago

December 5, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for a Pembrokeshire dairy farm to keep two “alternative” holiday pods sited without permission as a way of diversifying in an uncertain industry has been given the go-ahead.

In an application recommended for approval at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Vaynor Farm Ltd sought retrospective permission for the siting of two self-catering holiday accommodation pods at The Cart House, Vaynor Farm, Bethesda, near Narberth as part of a farm diversification enterprise.

It was before committee members as it was recommended for delegated conditional approval by senior officers despite being against the development plan.

Previous retrospective schemes, for two self-catering pods along with an application to retain a shepherd hut accommodation pod at another farm, a part of the Vaynor Farm farm enterprise, were refused in 2023 and 2025, the latter due to “an unjustified and harmful impact on the character and appearance of the open countryside”.

Detailing the current application, an officer report for members said the pods: Vaynor Farm Pod within the garden of The Cart House, and The Paddock Pod, on the edge of a small paddock, were constructed off-site and have been transported to their current locations, with external decking, hot tubs, a barbecue area and car parking provided for each pod.

It added: “A business plan has been submitted with the application, which explains that due to uncertainties associated with dairy farming, the applicant has sought to diversify the farm enterprise to incorporate tourism accommodation.

“The application makes the case that the proposed development represents farm diversification. It is acknowledged that the development has resulted in the provision of an alternative type of holiday accommodation for which it has been demonstrated there is a demand, contributing to the diversity and quality of accommodation available within the county and supporting an existing farm business, with consequent economic and social benefits.

“Evidence has been provided that demonstrates the extent to which the pods have provided income which has been used to support the farm business.

“However, officers consider that should planning permission be granted, a [planning obligation] will be necessary to ensure that the accommodation pods continue to support the farm business and are not separated from it at some future point in time.”

Delegated conditional approval limiting the use and occupation of the self-catering accommodation pods to short term holiday use only was moved by Cllr Brian Hall and unanimously backed by committee members.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

12 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

16 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):