A FEAST of Wales’ finest produce is set to be celebrated by a national supermarket chain that has joined forces with a top Anglesey-based chef.

The Co-op is working with Ellis Barrie, to launch its first-ever Welsh supplier awards scheme.

The community retailer has invited its suppliers to enter the Co-op Welsh Supplier Awards to showcase and celebrate the history, passion, quality and innovation in Welsh food and drink.

The Co-op, which marks its 175th anniversary this year, stocks over 500 Welsh products from beer to bakery and, curry to ice cream.

In addition, its backing for British agriculture has seen all of its own-brand fresh meat sourced in Britain, ensuring Welsh lamb’s availability in-store all year round.

Ellis Barrie, who won through to the final week of The Great British Menu in 2018, founded The Marram Grass restaurant in Newborough. He will join the Co-op in judging the awards.

The Co-op’s Welsh suppliers can enter the awards up until 5pm, on Tuesday, February 5. In addition to great food and drink, the awards are also designed to celebrate product innovation; sustainability, including developments in production and packaging and, suppliers who are active in communities.

The winners are to be announced at a glittering award ceremony in Cardiff on Thursday, March 7.

Ellis Barrie, said: “The beauty, surroundings and abundance of fresh ingredients around our restaurant in Wales is a constant inspiration for our team. I have a passion for local sourcing and seasonality which I know is at the heart of the Co-op’s approach,.”

Tina Mitchell, director for Co-op Food, Wales, said: “Nothing brings people together quite like great food and, we know by listening to our members and customers that quality, provenance and trust really matters.”

Simon Dryell, head of local sourcing, Co-op, added: “As a community retailer, locally sourced produce is an area where we see continued sustainable growth.

“This is driven by growing consumer demand and, increased awareness in locally produced food and drink which is made with a mix of quality ingredients, pride, history and innovation. We build close relationships with our growers and producers.

Entry forms are at https://events2015.survey.fm/co-op-welsh-supplier-awards-2019?p=1 For more details email: liveandlocal@coop.co.uk