A new chapter has begun for award-winning Welsh salami producer, Cwm Farm Charcuterie Products with the opening of its new ‘Salami HQ’.

Founded a decade ago by former school administrator Ruth Davies and her carpenter husband Andrew, Cwm Farm’s range of salami and dried cured meat grace the tables of some of the finest restaurants in the country.

Having outgrown its first production unit in Pontardawe, Ruth and Andrew had been searching for suitable premises – and found the ideal place “just ten minutes up the road” at Ystradgynlais Workshops.

The move was made possible with grant assistance from the Welsh Government Rural Business Investment Scheme, and Cwm Farm’s new ‘Salami HQ’ will be officially opened on March 2 by former Wales rugby international, Rupert Moon.

At 4,000sq ft the unit is four times as big as Cwm Farm’s first premises, and the couple has been working around the clock to turn the space into their ideal production base.

Ruth said: “Previously, lack of space was limiting production and storage was a big issue for us, but here we have all the space we could want. I have a little black book of ideas, but until now, I’ve not been able to make them. This grant has enabled us to not only fulfil our orders but move forward with product development.

“We can now expand production, take on staff, and develop even more products – which I have been dying to try for ages.”

The new HQ includes a laboratory, where Ruth can carry out the necessary water and PH testing, as well as a bigger drying chamber that is lined with blocks of pink Himalayan salt.

“We have two ranges of products – pub snacking and fine dining, which are aimed at different customers. Now we have the room to have more specialist machinery which will enable us to do different products such as chorizo nuggets which are fabulous for tapas bars.”

In addition to new equipment, the décor of the premises has a distinct and unique look. Working with two art students - Hannah Moulder and Adam Wenzy - from Carmarthen School of Art, Ruth and Andrew have created an 18 ft by 12 ft mural depicting a butcher’s shop.

The business’ expansion also means recruiting their first permanent staff, with three jobs created in production and administration.

Cwm Farm has been introducing products from other parts of Wales to its rugby match-day kiosks at Parc y Scarlets.

Devoted Scarlets supporters, Ruth and Andrew have long been feeding hungry rugby fans, and regularly include products from around Wales as specials on the menu.

Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs said: “I am delighted that support from the Rural Business Investment Scheme has enabled Cwm Farm Charcuterie Products to expand its production base as well as create skilled jobs.

“The business is an excellent example of how skill and entrepreneurial spirit combined with business support is helping to open up new markets for Welsh food and drink products.”

With many food and farming awards and plaudits to its name, Cwm Farm has had customer enquiries from around the globe, and has shipped its salamis overseas to destinations including Hong Kong, Dubai, the Netherlands and Denmark.

Cwm Farm’s range has also been served at Downing Street and the British Embassy in Finland.