SEVEN food businesses had a taste of Puglia, Italy, as a way of developing and growing their firms.

Vic North Bakes at Cardigan, Oh Sugarplum at Haverfordwest, Wendy Brandon Preserves at Boncath, Sancler Organ at St Clears, Caws Cenarth, Jabajaks at Llanboidy and Cheese Roles at Whitland joined several south west Wales businesses on The Taste Local Learning Journey.

While in Italy, staff from each business visited cheese producers, confectionary businesses, cookery schools, vineyards, food trails, farm shops, charcuterie and preserve establishments.

This was just one of a variety of trips being funded by Taste Local, a food tourism project led by Carmarthenshire Local Action Group and delivered by the South West Wales Tourism Partnership.

Offering assistance to eligible south west Wales food producers, retailers, hospitality providers and groups, Taste Local provides the opportunity to visit partner areas in Italy, Denmark and Malta to learn and share best practise in relation to their sector to develop their own businesses and groups.

Vicky North, of Vic North Bakes, said: "It was an unforgettable experience - the trip to Puglia provided a valuable opportunity to travel back in time and learn from bakeries where traditional techniques such as wood fired ovens and the use of natural yeasts are standard.

“I hope to build on the contacts I made, bring a taste of Italy to Cardigan Bay and introduce semolina bread to my bread club subscription service now.”

There are very few bursaries remaining for residents and business owners in Pembrokeshire or Carmarthenshire.

For more information contact Lowri Edwards on 01558 669091/07977 989723 or lowriedwards@gallu.org.uk.