A dairy farming co-operative in Gwynedd has been shortlisted for a top business award for its contribution to the rural economy.

South Caernarfon Creameries has been named as a Rural Business Awards finalist for the Wales & Northern Ireland award in the Best Rural Food or Drink Business category.

The creamery, based for more than 80 years at Chwilog on the Llyn Peninsula, is Wales’s oldest and largest dairy farming co-operative, established in 1938. 

The Rural Business Awards aim to give recognition to businesses across the rural sector, to celebrate the achievements of rural businesses, from engineering through to artisan food producers and professional services organisations.

The winners of 11 awards, decided by an independent panel of judges, will be announced at an awards presentation on Friday, 8 November, at Wrexham Glyndwr University.

SCC managing director Alan Wyn Jones said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for a Rural Business Award. We are very proud of our rural heritage here at SCC.

“We work hard to support rural livelihoods by championing high-quality local produce, adding value to the milk our farmers’ produce with our ever-evolving range of cheeses, and in turn achieving the best possible price return for their output.

“From the cow to counter, everyone at SCC including our farming members, staff, suppliers, retailers, wholesalers and customers are crucial to ensuring we make a valuable contribution to the rural economy.

“This starts with ensuring the highest quality supply of 100 per cent Welsh milk, and goes right through to packaging new products for retail, championing their rural Welsh provenance.

“We are also committed to collaborating other rural businesses, and we’re excited that everyone can taste the results of this in our new Dragon Handcrafted range.

“We hope to continue this work in future as the business continues to expand, and we wish the best of luck to everyone who has been shortlisted in the RBA awards.”

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