THE MINISTER for Rural Affairs took a tour of Wales’ oldest farmer co-operative on Thursday to learn more about the creamery and its work.

Lesley Griffiths AM, the Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, visited South Caernarfon Creamery on Thursday 18 January, where she was provided with the opportunity to meet with staff and member farmer directors of the co-operative before embarking on a full tour of the site.

This included a first-hand look at the creamery’s £12 million investment which incorporates a best in class cheese processing facilty and cheese packing hall.

A highlight of the visit was the opportunity to sample some of the creamery’s Dragon branded award-winning cheese and butter, which is all made using the co-operative’s farmers’ Welsh milk. Dragon cheese is the number one Welsh cheese brand by retailer sales and the Company is committed in further growing the brand value both in the UK and in international markets.

Speaking after the visit, Alan Wyn Jones, Managing Director at South Caernarfon Creameries said: “We were delighted that the Minister took time out of her busy schedule to visit the creamery.

“Our farmer owned co-operative has made huge capital investments in the last couple of years’ so it is pleasing to be able to show the end result to the Minister, especially as it is the first major new cheese facility build in the UK since the 70s.

“The visit also allowed us to talk about our next phase of development plans and the pivotal role that the Welsh Assembly Government can help us to achieve our objectives and continued success for the benefit of our Welsh dairy farmer owners and staff.”

Read the full story in Thursday’s north editions of the Cambrian News