A SNOWDONIA mushroom producer has taken on a new name as it expands its horizons and attract customers from around the world.

Now-called Madarch Cymru - The Mushroom Garden began growing Shiitake and Oyster mushrooms chemical-free on special Welsh oak blocks in converted shipping containers on a National Trust smallholding at Nantmore near Beddgelert.

Owners Cynan and June Jones used their years of interest in fungi botany to branch into drying mushrooms and created a range of mushroom-based seasoning products suitable for all types of dishes such as meat, fish, vegetarian and vegan.

Originally called The Mushroom Garden – Snowdonia, the business is going from strength to strength and has launched its new name and website to highlight its Welsh roots while cultivating a broader customer base.

The company has also collaborated with Halen Môn - Anglesey Sea Salt to create the famed Japanese seasoning, Umami.

More growing capacity was needed as the business grew and the couple joined forces with friends Arwyn Groe and Gwenllian Lansdown Davies, who run a beef and sheep farm at Llanerfyl in Powys.

Together they have expanded their customer base and broken into new markets, most recently in North America.

“We felt it was time not just to update our website, but to refresh our brand to reflect the changing nature of our business," said Mrs Lansdown Davies. "We are no longer only a Snowdonia company, but a wider Wales company, and we want to make the most of our Welsh identity.”

Madarch Cymru’s re-brand has come at a time when there has been more of a focus on preparing meals at home. Madarch Cymru’s flavoursome and easy to use products are ideal for home cooking, an activity which – researchers say - is set to continue.

Throughout its journey, the companies have received help from Cywain - a Menter a Busnes project which supports the development of growth-orientated businesses in the food and drink sector in Wales.

“Cywain have been great," added Mrs Lansdown Davies. "This change is a huge investment in our brand, and the help available has been invaluable. Having a full-time job and four children, I don’t think I’d have been able to do it otherwise.”

According to a report published by Mintel last month ('Attitudes towards Cooking in the Home'), the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in 33 per cent of people who cook meals prepare from scratch more often since the outbreak. About 80 per cent said they intend to continue over the next 12 months.

Nia Môn, Cywain Development Manager, said, “In addition to a rise in home cooking, Covid-19 prompted an increase in online shopping. Like many Welsh food and drink producers, Madarch Cymru – The Mushroom Garden has benefitted from establishing an online shop."

For more information visit shop.snowdoniamushrooms.co.uk and www.cywain.cymru