MS hopes Welshpool firm's awards will inspire

Montgomeryshire MS Russell George has said that he hopes the success of an award-winning Welshpool-based snacks manufacturer will inspire other businesses in his constituency.

Mr George was referring to the two Great Taste Awards, the Oscars of the food and drink world, won by Trailhead Fine Foods for its Get Jerky branded Welsh beef jerky snacks.

The company’s Original Beef Jerky and Teriyaki Beef Jerky flavours were given a one star award each, recognising them as “food that delivers fantastic flavour”.

Trailhead Fine Foods makes handmade, artisan beef jerky snacks in eight flavours. The snacks are made with responsibly sourced PGI Welsh Beef and marinated using secret, unique recipes.

The snacks have boomed this year, with sales in October more than treble the same month last year. The high protein beef jerky is gluten free and low in fat, making it a healthy alternative to sugary and high fat snacks.

Mr George said he was delighted by the company’s “exceptional” performance at the Great Taste Awards.

“Winning distinguished food accolades, such as stars from the Great Taste Awards, is a superb way to advance the standing of products,” he said. “To achieve these awards suggests a high quality, distinct offering and solid brand, for which I commend Trailhead Fine Foods.

“I am so pleased for this thriving local enterprise. Many people who wish to follow their ambitions of going into business look for successes of similar organisations to inspire them. I hope Trailhead Fine Foods’ recognition will itself prompt further business growth here in Montgomeryshire.”

Emma Morris, Trailhead Fine Foods’ sales director, thanked Mr George for his continued interest in the growing Mid Wales business.

“We are proud of our roots here in Welshpool, and really appreciate Mr George taking the time to recognise our success,” she said. “It's great to be able to bring not just national but international recognition back to the county.

“October was an incredibly busy month for the company with sales more than treble for the same month last year. We also met many existing and potentially new customers at the Blas Cymru/Taste Wales event organised by the Welsh Government at ICC Wales, Newport last week.

“Being able to display Great Taste awards alongside three of our beef jerky snacks is great for raising our brand awareness.”

Get Jerky snacks are available in Co-op stores across Wales and more than 100 stockists across the UK, including service stations, farm shops, delicatessens, convenience stores, tourist attractions, petrol stations, breweries, pubs and hotels. 

Picture: The range of Trailhead Fine Foods’ Get Jerky snacks.