The first 100 people attending Grand show Wem-ber-lee! Wem-ber-lee! will receive a free savoury pastry.

Show director Peter Richards said: “The play is all about Swansea City’s play-off success last May so this treat will help replicate that great matchday atmosphere in a fun way.

“The show stars Kevin Johns who is the Swans matchday announcer so the links we’re creating with football fans are very strong indeed.”

Peter’s, based in South Wales, already provide pies to the stadia such as the Liberty, Wembley and Millennium.

The firm’s marketing controller Clare Morgan said: “Wem-ber-lee! Wem-ber-lee! is full of laughs and wonderful memories.

“The team behind it are doing a fabulous job in helping to bring some new fun to the city and to keeping alive fabulous memories of the unforgettable day when Brendan Rodgers led the Swans to the Premier League.”

Ahead of the start of the 6 Nations tournament, Peter’s asked fans to vote for their tastiest player.

There was plenty of choice for fans in the current crop of Welsh rugby stars – scrum half Mike Phillips came second, followed by Wales’ youngest player, George North.

But it was Wales centre Jamie who topped the survey – polling nearly a third of the votes – and in his honour, Peter’s have commissioned a unique mosaic portrait of the rugby star, made entirely of food.

Created by full time ‘food artist’, Prudence Staite, the incredible pastry tribute is more than 1.2 metres high and 1.2 metres wide, and uses a variety of Peter’s savoury treats as well as peppercorns for Jamie’s famous designer stubble, and red chilli flakes and peppers for his Wales jersey. The mosaic weighs almost 35kg and took a team of five 50 hours to make from start to finish.

It was presented to WRU Group Sponsorship manager Simon Rowe at the Millennium Stadium by Peter’s Marketing Controller Clare Morgan and Prudence, who carefully brought the mosaic all the way from Gloucester.

Rugby fans looking for a bite of the action will be able to see the extraordinary mosaic themselves, as it will be displayed alongside the Peter’s Pie Mobile at the Wales V Scotland game on February 12th.

Peter’s Marketing Controller Clare Morgan said: “It’s that time of year again when Wales goes rugby mad, and we thought it would be fun to find the country’s tastiest player. The likeness of the mosaic is truly astounding, and we are delighted that fans will be able to see it for themselves at the Wales V Scotland game. We hope it will herald the start of a tasty tournament for Jamie and the rest of the Wales team.”

Speaking from the Wales training camp about the honour of winning the ‘tastiest player’ accolade, Jamie Roberts said:

‘I’m flattered, I’ve never had a portrait of me made out of food before; this is certainly a first. When I showed it to some of the other Welsh players it brought a few smiles and, as you can imagine, a few jokes that’s for sure. This was a really cool idea and it looks like a lot of time and effort went into making it – and I must admit, it looks just like me!”

You can see the making of the tastiest player food mosaic at www.youtube.com/petersfoods

WALES’ favourite pie-maker has launched a mouth-watering search for Wales’ tastiest rugby player.

Ahead of the start of the Six Nations, Peter’s wants fans to vote for their hunkiest player.

And with Wales’ young crop of new stars, there are plenty to choose from, including the Darling of the Centres Jamie Roberts, scrum-half Mike Phillips, and full-back Leigh Halfpenny.

And fans who like their player to be even more rugged, can vote for the likes of Adam Jones or Toby Faletau.

The chosen player will have a mosaic created of them consisting entirely of food, following on from the ‘Shane Williams’ pastry bust Peter’s made a couple of years ago in honour of the record try-scorer.

Peter’s Marketing Controller Clare Morgan said: “It’s that time of year again when Wales goes rugby mad, and we thought it would be good fun to find the country’s tastiest player.

“It’s going to be a tough competition as there are just so many great men in our national team! “But to find our tastiest player we want the whole of Wales to vote, not just the ladies. So tasty to one person may mean ‘hunky’ whilst to another it may mean ‘strength’, ‘power’ or sheer contribution to the team.”

Voting to find Wales Tastiest Rugby Player has now closed. Thank you to all who made their “tasty” choice. The winning rugby player will be revealed before the Six Nations in February. Watch this space for further updates!

The twenty-eight year-old from Maesteg who works as assistant development chef for the famous Welsh food brand, beat off stiff competition in the South Wales regional heat to secure a place in the grand final, which will take place next February at Coleg Llandrillo Cymru.

His winning menu of pan-fried brill with oxtail girolles and white truffle followed by a main course of breast of Madgett’s Farm duck with fondant potato, salsify, butternut squash and duck leg and liver faggot and a dessert of bitter chocolate mousse and passion fruit impressed the judges and saw him top three other chefs to take the regional honour.

An experienced chef, Ryan’s impressive CV includes stints at both the Hyde Park Intercontinental and also the world-famous Claridges, working under Gordon Ramsay and serving a host of celebrities, including the Beckhams, Adam Sandler and Samuel L Jackson.

Speaking about his success so far in the competition, Ryan said:

“It’s obviously a great honour to have come this far but I’ve got my eye on the final of course and am really looking forward to coming up with something really special for that.

“Although my background is in kitchens, I’d always wanted to get into the developmental side and working with well-known chef Kurt Fleming at Ffresh in Cardiff Bay really got me interested in working with pastry – when this opportunity at Peter’s came up it really was perfect.

“The company is absolutely committed to supplying only the highest quality products and we’re always looking at where improvements can be made – it’s great to be able to have such an input into new recipes and the development of key new products and it also means I still get to enjoy the kitchen side of things.

“The final on Valentine’s Day will involve a cook-off and will be a lot of pressure but I’m prepared for that. Fingers crossed the title will be mine and I can celebrate by sending some Peter’s Pies to my old friends the Beckhams!”

Peter’s marketing controller, Clare Morgan, added:

“This really is a fantastic achievement for Ryan and also for Peter’s in that we have such a talented chef working with us to perfect our products.

“We’ve got a lot going on at the moment as we progress with our Luv Wales, Luv Peter’s campaign, look towards exciting new product launches in the New Year, and of course Ryan’s moment in the spotlight – we’re all right behind him and wish him the very best of luck.”

People all over Wales voted online throughout November and The Gower and the Millennium Stadium will now feature in a 2012 Luv Wales, Luv Peter’s advertising campaign.

Some great comments included:

• “The Gower is the most spectacular place on earth; there’s nothing nicer than sitting on a bench in Rhossili eating a Peter’s Pasty.”
• “My vote goes to the Millennium Stadium. Watching the rugby with a hot pie and a pint? Lovely!
• “The Pembrokeshire Coast has breathtaking scenery. It’s the perfect place to unwind.”

Peter’s marketing controller Clare Morgan said: “Congratulations to the top three locations – they have a place in the hearts of many Welsh people fare and wide.

“We know the people who buy our savouries like having fun and celebrating Wales. For that reason, Wales is the star of our new marketing campaign, Luv Wales, Luv Peter’s.”

The marketing campaign runs to the end of April and will see a life-size cut-out of light-hearted new advertising characters Peter and Paul the Dog pop up around the country. There’s pastry sampling around Wales, You Tube videos, Facebook and Twitter chat, pavement stencils and advertising on billboards, petrol pumps and car park tickets. So keep your eyes peeled.

Legendary Welsh comedian and singer, Max Boyce MBE, a Vice President of the Noah’s Ark Appeal, will be visiting The Children’s Hospital for Wales at a special launch event, which will be held on November 21st. There, he will be handing out a new range of pies, in support of the Noah’s Ark Appeal, to builders who will be working on phase two of the project.

The promotion, which already has the endorsement of Welsh superstar Dame Shirley Bassey, will see the Noah’s Ark Appeal logo added to packs of Steak, Steak and Kidney, Minced Beef and Onion, Chicken and Mushroom and Meat and Potato pies, with a proportion of each sale going directly to the charity.

Neil Court Johnston, director of Peter’s Food Service, said:

“We’ve worked with the Noah’s Ark appeal for many years, and have renewed our commitment to support the appeal and raise its profile. Our plan is to generate as much money as we can for the Children’s Hospital for Wales over the next three years.

“We’re delighted that high profile celebrities like Dame Shirley Bassey and Max Boyce are supporting our cause. Their endorsement, alongside our bigger, tastier pies and a really worthy cause, will help us to raise a really significant amount of money for a fantastic charity.”

Max Boyce MBE said:

“It’s really good to see a Welsh business supporting such a worthy charity, and I’m delighted to be a part of the launch. Peter’s support will help the Noah’s Ark Appeal to raise vital funds for sick children in need of critical and intensive care.”

The Noah’s Ark Appeal is the only charity exclusively raising money for the Children’s Hospital for Wales. They continue to rely on the support of companies, charitable trusts, organisations and individuals. It is believed that the support of Peter’s Pies could mean funds in the region of £50,000 each year going to critical and intensive care.

Peter’s Food Service began life as a small pie manufacturer, and today is one of Britain’s best-loved brands of pies, pasties, rolls and slices, producing over 3 million pastries every week.

The new range of Peter’s Pies are 30% larger than before and feature new and improved flavours, all at the same price. They will be launched on November 21st and will be available nationwide.

From mid November, Peter’s new range of Steak, Steak and Kidney, Minced Beef and Onion, Chicken and Mushroom and Meat and Potato pies will feature the Noah’s Ark Appeal logo with a donation for each sale going directly to the charity.

Commenting on the news, Neil Court Johnston, director of Peter’s Food Service said: “We are passionate supporters of the Children’s Hospital for Wales and have worked closely with everyone at the Noah’s Ark Appeal to find the best possible way to help build awareness and generate significant funds over the next three years. We’re sure that the on-pack promotion will do just that.”

“We hope the combination of a bigger, tastier pie and this very worthy cause will appeal to consumers and help us continue to raise valuable funds for this vital charity. The fact that Shirley Bassey has given her blessing is a real bonus. We’ll make sure there’s a valley full of pies to greet her next time she’s home.”

Dame Shirley Bassey DBE said:

“As Patron of the Noah’s Ark Appeal, I am delighted that Peters – a local company – is becoming our charity partner. The support of Peters will help the Noah’s Ark Appeal to raise significant money for the Children’s Hospital for Wales, specifically for children needing high dependency or intensive care.”

The Noah’s Ark Appeal is the only charity exclusively raising money for the Children’s Hospital for Wales. They continue to rely on the support of companies, charitable trusts, organisations and individuals. It is believed that the support of Peter’s Pies will contribute directly to funds for a brand new critical care unit.

Suzanne Mainwaring, director of fundraising at the Noah’s Ark Appeal, said: “We are delighted to be extending our successful partnership with Peter’s Pies with this on pack promotion. We have worked together in the past and are extremely grateful for all the support we have received over these years.

“The support from Peter’s Pies will not only generate vital funds, but will ensure more people know about us all over country.”
Peter’s Food Service began life as a small pie manufacturer, and today is one of Britain’s best-loved brands of pies, pasties, rolls and slices, producing over 3 million pastries every week.

The new range of Peter’s Pies will be launched on November 14th and will be available nationwide.

Award winning chef Mathew Williams had worked in some of Wales’ finest hotels and restaurants before deciding to open a fish bar close to his home. Since then, the Tonyrefail restaurant, near the Rhondda Valley, has received a host of accolades including a five-star quality award and the latest ‘gong’ for services to pastry. Now, Mathew believes his decision has been fully vindicated:

“To receive so many plaudits in such a short space of time is a great achievement. It makes all those early mornings and extra effort worth it for everyone connected with Crispy Cod.”

Mathew started the business four years ago supported by his girlfriend, Anna Ingram, and the rest of his family, in particular his mother who sadly passed away in 2009.

“My mother was the backbone of our family and it’s credit to her that we’ve come so far. The local community has also been really supportive. I get customers coming from far and wide because they’ve heard about us.”

The connection with Peter’s Pies began two years ago with a visit from Ken Blackman, Distribution Centre Manager for the company.

“From the first moment we began supplying the Crispy Cod, it was clear there was something exceptional about the shop and the staff”, said Ken.

“Mathew likes to do tradition with a twist. He never misses an opportunity to go that extra mile, his shop is always impeccably presented and his food is always delicious. I don’t think there’s anybody in the industry that deserves these accolades more.”

“I’m really grateful to Peter’s for the recognition”, said Mathew. “Being a chef, I don’t put up with any nonsense when it comes to food quality but I don’t think there’s another pie company that can beat their Premier range. That’s why I sell them. To receive such accolades from two major organisations like Seafish and Peter’s Pies in the space of a week is praise indeed!”

The Crispy Cod will now compete for the coveted title of the UK’s Independent Takeaway Fish & Chip Shop of the Year announced at the grand final held in London on 17 January 2012.

Peter’s Food Service began life as a small pie manufacturer in South Wales. Today it’s one of Britain’s best-loved brands of pies, pasties and sausage rolls. The business, which is based in Bedwas, South Wales, produces over 3 million pastries every week and employs 700 people.

We have teamed up with a brand new media development and communications team to implement the ‘Luv Wales, Luv Peter’s’ campaign.

The six-month campaign, which will be formally launched on October 31, will use the full range of multi-media platforms.

Peter’s Marketing Controller Clare Morgan said their latest research had shown that 44 per cent more people were buying local produce compared to five years ago, presenting a significant opportunity for Peter’s to grow revenues and market share in Wales.

“We know Peter’s has got great consumer brand awareness and loyalty in Wales, and we are looking to leverage that further,” said Morgan.

“We are seeking to invigorate a target market that may not be aware of the traditional values of Peter’s, and what it means to so many people in Wales.

“People in Wales will see an exciting campaign from us in the coming months, which will hopefully bring a smile to their faces, and also remind them about everything that is good in Wales.”

“So keep your eyes peeled for our upbeat, surprising campaign which we are sure will bring a smile to your face.” said Morgan

Since the campaign began at Caerphilly Castle in April, we’ve been petitioning for support with a campaign that has included nationwide sampling in Tesco and Asda stores, touring from Cardiff to Wrexham and from Haverfordwest to Chepstow. We’ve also made a visit to the Royal Welsh Show on the way, where they spoke to hundreds of people attending the show in a bid to win their support.

In excess of 2,000 people across the nation have backed the campaign, signing petitions, participating in taste tests and getting involved with a recently-launched social media campaign.

William Graham, Conservative AM for South Wales East, who received the petition at the Welsh Assembly said: “Peter’s has already gained a huge amount of backing for their campaign, which shows how important a part of our national heritage the Welsh people feel the corned beef pasty is. I was very pleased to accept this petition and wish Peter’s all the best in their mission to secure the corned beef pasty’s new status as a national dish.”

Clare Morgan, Marketing Controller for Peter’s said: “It was always our intention that with enough support from the public, we would try to win backing for the campaign at the highest level. Being able to present the petition to the Welsh Assembly was a fantastic opportunity to add a major boost to the campaign, and we’re thrilled to have gained William Graham’s support.”

On the day, we provided free corned beef pasties from our pie-mobile to passers-by outside the Assembly, and hundreds more were distributed around Cardiff city centre to the public.

Clare continued: “This day signals the end of the first phase of our campaign, but there is still a long way to go. After presenting our petition to the Welsh Assembly, we really hope to see even more pasty fans signing up, helping us to secure the corned beef pasty’s new status and celebrating this important part of our national heritage.”

With your help, we intend to take the petition to the Welsh Assembly to help secure its new status, making this campaign a fantastic opportunity for the Welsh nation to stand up, celebrate a part of its heritage, benefit a huge number of local producers and promote the importance of this iconic Welsh food.

Come on, sign up and let’s give the Corned Beef Pasty the recognition it deserves!