Halen Môn Achieves PDO Status

This means that Anglesey Sea Salts are now protected against imitation and misuse, such as the kind the company has experienced in Spain and Italy, and is the first Welsh producer to hold the title.

Sea salt was harvested at Anglesey until the late eighteenth century, but Halen Môn brought the tradition back 17 year ago.

Alun Davies, Minister for natural resources and food said, “Gaining protected food name status is a fantastic achievement and will provide the worldwide recognition that quality produce such as Halen Môn deserves.

“Here in Wales we really do produce some world beating food. As I have set out in my Food and Drink Action plan that is currently out for consultation, I am determined to increase the profile and reputation of Welsh food right across the world. This latest success by Halen Môn will certainly help us to achieve that goal.”

David Lea-Wilson, production director said, “The care taken to harvest, rinse and pack the Sea Salt is both a science and an art. Our Sea Salt harvesters undergo rigorous training before they are allowed to have their initials on each pouch of salts they make.”

Sales Director Alison Lea-Wilson said, “Other sea salts are often made from ‘strengthened’ (adulterated) brine and may also have additives such as anti-caking agents added. Halen Môn Anglesey Sea Salt’s PDO is a guarantee that is an authentic food which has quality and real provenance set in its historical context. It is a specific product with particular characteristics of taste and place of origin; it is proof of the skills used to make it, not just a taste but an experience. Furthermore, it has full traceability giving reassurance to the consumer.

“Achieving PDO status has been a long and rigorous process, but we’re absolutely delighted with the outcome and we’re looking forward to working with other PFN products both here and in Europe. We are thrilled to be the 60th PFN in Britain. Consumers can now be absolutely sure that when they buy Halen Môn Anglesey Sea Salt they are getting a product which has been harvested and packed in Anglesey. This is tremendous news for Wales, Anglesey and our harvesters who put their heart and soul into producing the best Sea Salt you’ll find anywhere in the world.”

George Eustice, UK Government farming minister said, “Legal protection for the unique taste and appearance of Halen Môn Anglesey Sea Salt will help a small family business expand employee numbers by 25%. We have now helped sixty UK food products get protected name status so that aspiring entrepreneurs can grow their businesses on the back of their reputations for quality British food.”