by Angharad Evans, Welsh Language Communications Officer
Happy New Year, and welcome to the first Cornel Clecs column of 2022 - let’s hope that we’ll all have a full year of good health, success and happiness.
One North Wales family enjoyed great success and happiness when competing at the first Royal Welsh Winter Fair held after Covid. Huw, Ela, Emyr and Anest Roberts of Pwllheli are enjoying considerable success in the pig world, with their company Oinc Oink now a well-known brand providing local Welsh pork and breaking new ground within the catering industry.
Here’s Ela to explain a bit more about Oinc Oink's background: "The desire to keep pigs started after attending the Winter Fair in Builth Wells in 2006," explains Ela. "In March 2007, we bought two pregnant Welsh gilts, who had piglets in May, which we fattened and sold the meat to family and friends. During this time the idea of establishing a company was developed and Oinc Oink came into existence.
"Although there was no intention initially to show pigs at shows, we did attend the Spring Fair in Builth Wells in 2008, with two gilts. We had great success and we caught the showing bug.
"Fast forward to today, we have won the main championship at the three shows held annually in Builth Wells (before Covid). In 2016 we had the privilege of winning Pedigree Pig Breeder of the Year, hosted by the British Pig Association (BPA), at a national awards evening in London. We have also had success with our produce receiving a Gold award for our sausages as well as winning Supreme Champion for our Welsh pork and cheese sausages throughout Britain and Ireland.
“In 2014 we embarked on an initiative of pig roasting, which is now a very important part of Oink Oink. We have travelled as far as Coventry and Birmingham with our pork, but most events are local to North Wales, from weddings, birthdays, food fairs, and even funerals.”