A couple from Carmarthenshire are celebrating a major success for their home-produced meat.

Rhosyn Farm, which specialises in rare breed pork and also produces mutton and other meats, took the Meat Supplier of the Year prize at the prestigious Food Awards Wales, held at the Exchange Hotel in Cardiff.

Neil and Emma Rose decided to leave city life behind in 2006, and established their business at Blaen y Coed near Cynwyl Elfed in Carmarthenshire.

They have previously tasted success at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair, winning prizes for their sausages and bacon, and are delighted to have achieved the latest recognition.

“I am passionate about being able to give each pig the care and attention it needs,” explained Emma Rose. “I believe this is essential for producing less-stressed, tastier pork.”

Emma added; “Our Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs are free to explore their woodland surroundings, grazing on a wide variety of nutrients and minerals from the woodland soil, something which I believe is key to their great taste.”

She said; “Moving my life from the city to the Welsh countryside has allowed me to truly appreciate all the benefits that Wales’ natural surroundings have to offer. Thanks to cleaner air and healthier conditions, I believe that pork from Wales is unique in flavour. Our award-winning produce is proof of this.”

Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) marketing officer Kirstie Jones congratulated Neil and Emma on their success. “Rhosyn Farm is one of a number of exciting and high-quality pork ventures featured on the Porc.Wales marketing platform, many of whom are gaining deserved recognition in food industry awards” she said.

“Wales’s pork industry is comparatively small in scale,” she added, “but it specialises in low-intensity, high-welfare farming; the rearing of rare and native breeds; and the production of very high quality pork products.”

The Food Awards Wales were closely contested by many outstanding entries. Among the highly commended companies were Family Farms, a group of eight PGI Welsh Lamb producers who got together to create innovative and convenient new products.