The Carmarthen branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales held a successful open day at Castell Howell Foods in Cross Hands, which raised approximately £10,000 for the Carmarthenshire Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Appeal.
The first ever Open Day took place on Saturday 16 September 2017 and included a guided tour of the business. Castell Howell Foods is one of the biggest employers in Carmarthenshire, employing approximately 670 staff in the Group, generating a turnover of £110 million.
Brian Jones, Managing Director and founder of Castell Howell Foods and President of the 2017 Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, said: “I am delighted at the very positive response from everyone who toured the plant.
“I am, first and foremost, a farmer and was farming locally before I established the Castell Howell Foods business. The Celtic Pride Brand supports quality food and produce and local beef and pork farmers have a great interest in seeing how their animals are prepared and presented to the customer.”
The evening included a live performance from the well known folk band Jac y Do, and Celtic Pride burgers and rolls were enjoyed by everyone.
The auction attracted great interest with the prize item, a signed Lions jersey from their recent successful tour of New Zealand, attracting a final bid of nearly £3,000.
Visitors were delighted to enjoy the support of a number of professional rugby players, including Dan Biggar, Brand Ambassador for Celtic Pride and Osprey’s and Wales and British and Irish Lions star player.
FUW Presidential Policy delegate for South Wales, Ian Rickman, said: “It was a great evening and we had the exceptional support of over 300 people who joined us on the night. All in all the event raised nearly £10,000 for the Carmarthenshire Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Appeal and that can only be described as a roaring success.”