It may not quite be ‘business as usual’ for small food and drink producers in Wales. Still, many are turning to alternative ways, and collaborating with fellow producers to maintain sales.

Supporting producers through these often difficult and rapid changes is Cywain - a programme designed and developed by Menter a Busnes that is dedicated to developing new and existing micro-businesses and SMEs in the Welsh food and drink sector - including Clam’s Cakes of Crickhowell.

Cywain’s marketing and events team leader, Alex James says: “The changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic have hit many food and drink producers particularly hard. But there are positive stories to be highlighted too.

“Through Cywain’s continued work with producers, we know how hard they are working to adapt their business plans and services to enable them to continue to provide customers with fantastic Welsh produce.

“For some it has meant changing the way they work, while others have come together to create new opportunities – and have embraced the spirit of ‘clustering’ which Cywain already fosters as the facilitator for the Fine Food Cluster Wales.

“So, we thought we’d share news about producers who have successfully taken up the challenge of operating in this ‘new world’ we are living in. and encourage the public to shop local.”

Cywain’s drive to highlight ‘good news’ stories follows on from the launch of its online Producer Map (https://menterabusnes.cymru/cywain/en/our-producers/ ).

The specially created map pinpoints a host of excellent food and drink producers from across Wales who can provide an online shop and delivery service. Lesley Griffiths, minister for environment, energy and rural affairs, said: “It is heartening to hear how producers and small food and drink companies are adapting their businesses at this time – and I am sure there will be more uplifting and positive stories to come.

“By thinking outside of the box, and by working and clustering together, producers are keeping their enterprises going and continuing to providing customers with wonderful Welsh food and drink.”

#SupportLocalSupportWales

CLAM’S CAKES

Over the past 40 years, Clam’s Cakes has gone from a Crickhowell coffee shop enterprise to a purpose-built bakery supplying hotels, restaurants, cafes and retailers across the UK.

Therefore, when the hospitality sector was closed down, Clam’s lost virtually all its orders overnight. Left with freezers full of its award-winning, hand-made cakes, the company swiftly came up with an alternative plan.

Production may have been temporarily halted, but the Phillips family – who founded the business - have taken to the road to bring people a slice of cheer to people currently unable to leave their homes.

Clam’s are now delivering cakes and biscuits to customers living within a 10-mile radius of Crickhowell.

The cake selection changes weekly, with the list published on the company’s Facebook page. Orders are then placed and paid for by phone and delivered to the customer’s doorstep.

“It’s just been our family doing it, but people have been very grateful,” says proprietor, Jane Phillips “we’ve had so many compliments. My son, Lewis, has been making bread so that we can offer customers loaves with their orders. We’ve got a warehouse of flour, so we’ve added flour, fresh eggs and butter to the selection. It’s helping our egg supplier too.”

Also, the family has donated personal protective equipment (PPE) normally used in their bakery to a local health centre. And they have been delivering cakes to hospitals and frontline workers.

On a personal note, Jane has found the telephone contact with customers rewarding experience too.

“I’ve found some customers who are finding isolation challenging enjoy having a chat when they ring up with their order.

“We may not be making much of a profit at the moment, but we are making people happy.”

More information: www.clamscakes.co.uk