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Rhyl Journal
23-04-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Llaeth y Llan's 40th anniversary call for memories
Llaeth y Llan in Llannefydd, near Denbigh, is where Gareth Roberts and his family have produced superb tasting yogurt - the company opted for the less common but still correct spelling without the h - from Tal Y Bryn farmhouse since the 1980s. The business is celebrating it's 40th anniversary this year. Who knew that from Gareth and Falmai's first trials of yogurt in their Tal Y Bryn Farmhouse airing cupboard, back in 1985, Llaeth Y Llan would develop into a thriving producer with a modern linear production facility specifically designed to create and package 150 tonnes high quality yogurt each week! Gareth and Falmai with young Gruff. The yogurt is shipped all over the world, a fantastic achievement as Gareth and Falmai started as farmers with a herd of 50 cows on their farm in Llannefydd and had a local milk round. Falmai went back to college to learn how to make yogurt with three young children at the time. The first trials were in the airing cupboard in the farmhouse - two buckets of milk and Gruff the youngest son's nappy over the top! Some of the very first pots were sold in Gwalia House Butchers, Abergele. They were white pots with 'yogurt' written on them. A spokesperson for Llaeth y Llan said: "We are very fortunate that Gwalia House continue to support us to this day and still have a fantastic range of our products. "40 years on we now producing 150 tonnes of yogurt a week and export as far as Dubai, Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi. "In the last year we have moved with the market and launched 3 new protein yogurts in Strawberry, Salted Caramel and Blueberry flavour as well as a new Kefir Range in Vanilla and Natural which has won a one-star gold Great Taste Award." Llaeth y Llan in 1969. Now, to mark the anniversary, the business is calling on the community to share memories and photographs of the dairy. The spokesperson added: "We would love to hear from your readers if they have any memories of Llaeth y Llan since it was founded in 1985. "Do they remember some of our earliest flavours, did they come for a tour, and do they have any pictures that they can share?" Changes have taken place over the years. The initial dairy was converted from an old calf shed, where milk was bottled, cream separated and yogurt produced all next door to the milking parlour and cow holding areas, where cows would wait to be milked. In 1995, a more modern dairy was designed and built utilising the old redundant farm granary and other outbuildings, to fulfil increased demand for our yogurt and milk. For the next 20 years this was Llaeth Y Llan's base of operations, bits and bobs were added along the way to increase capacity but Gareth's initial design allowed Llaeth Y Llan to grow for 20 years. Then, in 2015 with the brand now stocked throughout Wales in four major retailers and independent stores, the old dairy was at maximum capacity. Planning was granted to build a larger production facility next door to the old dairy, specifically designed from the start to create high quality yogurt and still on the Roberts family farm. 2017 was a big year for the family and the business, and early in the year the dairy passed its BRC audit with flying colours. On May 25 2017, the dairy was officially opened by Lesley Griffiths AM, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs.
Khaleej Times
10-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
AARAYA launches exclusive Ramadan collection, premium luxury chocolates and gourmet dates
AARAYA, a luxury chocolatier known for its premium chocolates and gourmet dates, has unveiled its exclusive Ramadan Collection. The collection, inspired by the spirit of generosity and togetherness, offers a refined blend of tradition and contemporary craftsmanship, making it an ideal choice for gifting and sharing during the holy month. The vision behind AARAYA's Signature Collection is led by renowned Master Chocolatier Barry Colenso, whose career spans over four decades. Colenso, formerly Master Chocolatier at Thorntons, has been responsible for crafting iconic creations such as the Celebration Cake for the Late Queen Mother's 85th birthday and the Chocolate Wedding Cake for Prince William and Catherine's royal wedding in 2011. "Ramadan is a time of reflection, generosity, and togetherness. At AARAYA, we wanted to create a collection that embodies these values while celebrating the rich heritage of the region. Our chocolates and gourmet dates are crafted with love and passion, ensuring every bite resonates with luxury and tradition," said Barry Colenso, renowned Master Chocolatier behind AARAYA's Signature Collection. AARAYA has established itself as a leader in the world of luxury confections, earning accolades such as the Great Taste Award in 2022 and 2023 and the International Confectionery - Product of the Year Award in 2024. These prestigious honours reinforce the brand's commitment to quality, taste, and innovation in the confectionery industry. The newly launched Ramadan Collection features an array of handcrafted chocolates and gourmet dates, meticulously curated to offer a rich sensory experience. The selection includes dark chocolate truffles infused with Middle Eastern spices and silky dark chocolate with saffron, each crafted using the finest single-origin cocoa beans that are Fino de Aroma certified— a distinction held by less than eight per cent of the world's cocoa. This certification guarantees a superior level of purity and depth, ensuring an unparalleled tasting experience. Complementing the chocolates, AARAYA's gourmet dates are filled with premium nuts and coated in smooth, velvety chocolate. The collection is presented in elegant, eco-friendly packaging that reflects both sophistication and sustainability. The AARAYA Ramadan Collection is now available for pre-order across the UAE. Customers can explore the collection and place orders online at or visit select retail partners such as Perfect Gift at CityWalk, Dubai. Limited edition Eid Gift Boxes will also be available as part of the collection.
