The Pembrokeshire Early Potato has joined the ranks of Champagne, Parma Ham and Melton Mowbray Pork Pies by being awarded protected food name status by the European Commission.
From today (4 December), the Pembrokeshire Earlies/Pembrokeshire Early Potatoes names are protected by the European Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, which is one of three special European Protected Food Name (PFN) designations.
Under the EU’s protected food name scheme certain food and drink products receive Europe-wide legal protection against imitation and misuse.
The application for PGI status was made to the European Commission by DEFRA on behalf of Haverfordwest-based majority farmer-owned company Puffin Produce.
Achieving PGI status is a long and complicated procedure, and Puffin has been helped through the process by the Welsh Government. .
Through its ‘Blas Y Tir’ (Taste of the Land) brand, the company has been spearheading the campaign to reinvigorate the place of the Pembrokeshire Early Potato on the plates of Wales and further afield.
Earlier this year as part of the campaign the Pembrokeshire Earlies ‘starred’ in a TV advertisement – the first TV advert for a Welsh vegetable brand.
Pembrokeshire Earlies have been grown in the county’s fertile red sandstone soil since the mid-1700s.
Puffin’s field manager, Stephen Mathias, said: “Preparing the seed and soil then planting, nurturing and harvesting these special potatoes is both a science and an art.
“The growers have an innate knowledge of the local growing conditions and many skills have been passed down from one generation to the next.
“The potatoes are often handpicked especially earlier in the harvest season. Maris Peer and Lady Christl varieties – among others – are ideal for the Pembrokeshire soil, climate and production methods. The result is a tiny (15-70mm diameter) bright white potato, creamy in texture and so fine-skinned that the first crop is harvested in May in its purest earth covered form, to keep its delicate skin intact.”
These first of the season Pembrokeshire Earlies have a distinctive nutty flavour and aroma.
“The Pembrokeshire Early potato is one of the best products in Wales,” said Puffin’s managing director, Huw Thomas.
“Achieving PGI status has been a long and rigorous process, but we’re absolutely delighted with the outcome and we can’t wait until next year’s Pembrokeshire Earlies to celebrate in style.”
Alun Davies, minister for natural resources and food congratulated Puffin Produce. He said: “Gaining protected food name status is a fantastic achievement and is the recognition our delicious Pembrokeshire Earlies deserve.
“This excellent news yet again demonstrates some of the world class food Wales has to offer.”
Pembrokeshire Earlies grower, Walter Simon, also welcomed the PGI news: “This recognises the quality of the product and the hard work and dedication of growers in Pembrokeshire and it is great that horticulture in West Wales is being recognised in this way,' he said.
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