Puffin Produce has received a vist from His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh.
Prince Philip stopped in earlier today (29 April) at Puffin’s HQ near Haverfordwest, where he toured the company’s state-of-the-art fresh produce facilities, accompanied by HM Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Sara Edwards.
The Queen's husband checked out the machinery and spoke to growers, as well as hearing about the local provenance of Puffin’s produce and how this approach benefits agriculture and the local economy in Pembrokeshire.
Puffin Produce MD, Huw Thomas, said: “We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to Puffin Produce.
“We hope that His Royal Highness enjoyed his visit, which is the pinnacle of a very exciting year for our company, its growers and indeed farming in Pembrokeshire.
“Last December the famous Pembrokeshire Earlies were granted European Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, protecting its identity and putting it on a par with some of the most famous food and drink products in the world.
“Achieving PGI status was a long and rigorous process, and now we can’t wait until this year’s crop – the first with PGI status - come into season within the next few weeks.”
Puffin invited 250 children from local schools to greet the Duke of Edinburgh. Two six year-old pupils from Hook Primary, Rhys Jones and Lily Ramsey presented a commemorative model of a coal wagon – one of a limited edition specially made to celebrate the school’s centenary.
Also taking part in the day were Puffin’s group of dedicated growers and their families, who have been the lifeblood of Puffin’s business for over 30 years.
Thomas added: “Our business and our grower base has more than doubled in the past three years, and the next step will be the addition of a new cold storage facility on a new site close to our headquarters.”
The growers' co-operative supplies Asda, M&S, Tesco and Waitrose stores throughout Wales with popular potato varieties all year round, together with daffodils, leeks, cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage when in season.
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