Scarlets have teamed up in a new commercial partnership with Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) to help the promotion of Welsh red meat.
Central to the partnership will be highlighting the many nutritional benefits of Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef as part of a healthy and balanced diet, with the Scarlets players helping to create some nutritious and tasty recipes during 2020.
At a special pre-Christmas launch of the partnership at Parc y Scarlets, Wales star Leigh Halfpenny and Scarlets team-mates Ioan Nicholas and Tom James were on hand to show their support.
Also present were representatives from the wider industry – HCC’s Emily Rees, Llandovery butcher Dai Mathews, Phil Jones, an award-winning beef farmer from Cynwyl Elfed and Alex Luck of Dexters Steakhouse and Grill restaurant in Carmarthen.
HCC is currently working on a number of initiatives aimed at boosting the industry, including a high-profile campaign launching in January highlighting the sustainability of Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef and the many benefits of buying locally sourced and ethically produced food.
The organisation will be the match-day hospitality sponsor for the big Boxing Day derby match against the Ospreys and is looking forward to working closely with the Scarlets over the coming months.
The Scarlets have always had a strong link with the farming industry with Wales prop Wyn Jones brought up on a cattle and sheep farm in Llandovery.
“HCC is proud to be supporting the Scarlets and to be able to highlight how red meat is such an important part of nutrition for those not only in professional sport, but also for people of all ages who just want to stay fit and healthy and lead an active lifestyle,” said Emily Rees, HCC’s UK retail market development executive.
Scarlets head of commercial James Bibby said: “We are delighted to welcome Hybu Cig Cymru to our Scarlets family and are looking forward to growing our partnership with the Welsh red meat industry through a number of promotions and initiatives over the course of the season.”
Pictured are Scarlets players Leigh Halfpenny, Tom James and Ioan Nicholas with Emily Rees of HCC, Alex Luck (Dexters Steakhouse and Grill), beef farmer Phil Jones and butcher Dai Mathews.