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Welsh leeks have become the latest addition to the UK Geographical Indication (GI) scheme, which protects the name, authenticity and characteristics of regional products.
Buyers will be able to clearly see a logo on the label to show that they are buying the real thing, and manufacturers will benefit from knowing that others cannot imitate them.
This protection applies to all tested products sold in Great Britain as ‘Welsh leeks’ and is expected to boost the industry.
Leeks have been a national symbol for Wales for centuries. Their protection is part of the UK GI scheme, which also protects famous British products such as Cornish clotted cream and Scotch whisky, and helps consumers know they are buying high-quality, authentic products.
As a new addition to the UK GI scheme, Welsh leeks will be traceable from field to fork, tracked throughout their growth, harvest and sale, protecting product names, characteristics, authenticity and origin.
There are now 92 UK manufactured GI products: 81 agricultural and food products, six wines and five spirit drinks.
As well as their distinctive strong peppery flavor and vibrant green colour, Welsh leeks are known for growing on hard, sometimes stony soil, including along the coastal areas of Wales.
Food and Agriculture Minister Mark Spencer said:
Leeks have been linked to Welsh culture for centuries.
But throughout the nation’s rich history, they have not only repeatedly emerged as national symbols – they are a delicious part of the national cuisine across the country.
By protecting them as a UK Geographical Indication, we can ensure shoppers know what’s on their plate, and producers are protected and can take full credit for their work.
Parliamentary Undersecretary at the Wales Office, Dr James Davies, said:
The agriculture and food sector in Wales is incredibly important, and we are rightly recognized for our high-quality produce.
Shoppers will now be able to easily recognize the iconic Welsh leek with its distinctive taste, giving Welsh leek producers an advantage and helping them expand and grow their business.
NFU Cymru President Aled Jones said:
We are thrilled that Welsh leeks have been granted GI status. The leek has long been synonymous with Wales and it is fitting that its distinctive look, taste and flavor are now recognized and protected.
In achieving this status, Welsh leeks join a long list of products from Wales that enjoy protected status. This recognition of the quality of the food we produce here in Wales will be very important as we look to develop markets for our products.
Hugh Thomas, CEO of Puffin Produce, which applied for Welsh leeks to be designated as a GI, said:
The leek is an iconic symbol of Wales – we are incredibly proud to be able to grow Welsh leeks and GI status is vital to promoting the quality and heritage behind this magnificent crop.
Welsh leeks feature in a number of iconic Welsh dishes such as cawl (soup) and pork and leek sausage.
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