A Pembrokeshire dairy processors’ desire to add value to welsh milk has become a reality with the launch of a new brand – Totally Welsh.
Haverfordwest based Mark Hunter Ltd has expanded its bottling operation to include its own dairy brand – and has picked up an award for job creation in the process.
The company has been supported in its brand development by Welsh Government backed project Cywain, which was established to help bring added value to primary produce within the agriculture sector.
Originally formed as a fruit and vegetable packing business, Mark Hunter began bottling milk for local suppliers five years ago.
Today the company employs 50 staff and processes 400,000 litres of milk each week, supplying milk and cream to stores and schools throughout south and west Wales.
Through Cywain the company was able to access expert help with market analysis and brand positioning which resulted in the development of the ‘Totally Welsh’ brand logo, packaging and website www.totallywelsh.co.uk
Said Mark Hunter’s Factory Manager, John Horsman, “Cywain has helped us enormously. The funding and support we have received from Cywain has enabled us to work with the best people to achieve a high quality brand image and new website.
“It has enabled us to have a clear marketing strategy in place part of which is a targeted price promotion for the first three months.
“We wanted to build our own identity and add value to Welsh milk here in Wales. We have achieved that – ‘Totally Welsh’ is ‘welsh milk from welsh cows bottled in Wales.”
Lowri Edwards, Cywain’s Development Manager for South West Wales said, “We are delighted to support such a forward thinking company as Mark Hunter.
“We’ve had the opportunity to work with them and support the development of their new brand ‘Totally Welsh’. It is great to see how the company has grown and developed over the last year and we wish them every success.”
The brand launch comes at a time of growth for the company, an achievement which was recognised at the recent Institute for Sustainable Design (ISD) iSustain Awards at the University of Wales Trinity St David.
ISD encourages innovation through design and improvement, and Mark Hunter received the Jobs Growth Award, which was judged by the Welsh Government’s Head of Knowledge Transfer and Commercialisation.
Said John Horsman, “We have worked closely with the ISD and partner organisations for over three years, during which time we have created 28 jobs. We are delighted to have this achievement recognised and we look forward to being able to offer further employment opportunities here in Wales in the future.”
Totally Welsh: Mark Hunter Ltd Factory Manager John Horsman (left) with Managing Director Mark Hunter.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Cywain
Cywain was set up by Menter a Busnes to bring added value to primary produce within the agriculture sector. The project has received funding through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
About Menter a Busnes
Menter a Busnes was established in 1989. With headquarters in Aberystwyth it specializes in supporting new businesses, business growth, agriculture, skills development and food and drink sectors throughout Wales. It manages a number of programmes on behalf of the Welsh Government including Farming Connect and Cywain.
For more information about Cywain please contact:
Myrddin Davies
Cywain Manager
01745 770273 / 07964 354674
myrddin.davies@menterabusnes.co.uk