THE Denbigh Plum Group joined a variety of unique food producers across the UK looking for reassurance of their protected status at the House of Parliament last week.

Denbigh Plum Group, who preside over the Vale of Clwyd Denbigh Plum, Wales’ only surviving native plum variety that traces its lineage back to writings in 1785, are in the final stages of the application for protected status, and attended the reception and networking evening at the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday, May 15 amid concerns over the status of EU protected named foods.

The event, organised by the UK Protected Food Names Association and hosted by Hywel Williams, MP for Arfon, was attended by prestigious protected foods groups and MPs including Chris Ruane, MP for the Vale of Clwyd, to discuss the uncertain future of protected foods after Brexit.

Ms Williams said: "There is much concern among those food producers who have already gained status from the EU that those strict guidelines will no longer be adhered to once Britain leaves.”

“One glimmer of hope is that coffee from Columbia has been awarded protected status by the EU.”

Denbigh Plum was joined by a number of food producers from Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, including Melton Mowbray Pork Pies, Shetland Lamb, Conwy Mussels and Cornish Clotted Cream.

According to Food and Drink Wales, 170,000 people work in the food and drink industry in Wales and generate a huge £17.3 billion for the economy.

There are 15 EU protected foods in Wales with a number in the final stages of application.

Cllr Ruane, who attended the reception, said: “It was wonderful to see so many ‘unique’ foods on show at the reception and with the Denbigh Plum we have our own very special and very unique food.

“It was a pleasure to welcome Nia to the House of Commons and to hear about all the efforts being made to ‘preserve’ the plum’s status.

“I would urge everyone to keep an eye of for further details on the events held by Denbigh Plum Group.”

The Group has an upcoming evening as part of the Denbigh Midsummer Festival, which will include afternoon tea and entertainment to celebrate the special plum variety, will take place at Myddelton College, Denbigh, from 3pm to 5pm on Saturday, June 9.

For more information contact Denbigh Midsummer Festival on 01745 816887 or the Denbigh Plum Group via their Facebook page.