9. How will the Welsh Government work with the UK Government and producers to promote food and drink from the Vale of Clwyd? OQ57200

Welsh Government continues to work with producers and other external stakeholders in the Vale of Clwyd to promote food and drink using a wide range of business programmes, and recently Blas Cymru, our signature event for Wales. We work with the UK Government on many areas that are advantageous for Welsh businesses.

I really appreciate that answer, Minister, and thank you. The Vale of Clwyd is home to many great food and drink producers and products, and one of the best examples of our great produce is the Denbigh plum, whether it's eaten on its own or as an amazing jam or drunk as a fantastic plum brandy. The Denbigh plum is the pride of Denbigh and the whole of the Vale of Clwyd. Minister, how will your Government help spread the good word about the Denbigh plum to a greater, worldwide audience? Thank you.

I think we did it through Blas Cymru. That's where we bring the world to Wales. Whilst we couldn't do it in the physical form that we've previously been able to do it in 2017 and 2019, when we held Blas Cymru last month, we had, obviously, lots of virtual meetings. Obviously, the Vale of Clwyd Denbigh plum was granted protected designation of origin status in 2019, so we worked very closely with them to make sure they were able to fulfil that. I think high-quality food and tourism are really inextricably linked, so we're working with other protected food name companies to make sure that everyone is aware of the excellent work going on in Wales. I think Blas Cymru is just a credit to our amazing Welsh food and drink, not just in the Vale of Clwyd, but right across Wales. The early feedback we've had is that a substantial number of new contracts were won at Blas Cymru. It really is a pleasure to be the Minister with responsibility for food and drink and sell it to the world.

I thank the Minister.