Taffy Afal scoops Official Valleys Ice Cream title

27th August 2010

Categories: Latest News

The Valleys – ‘Heart and Soul’ campaign and Rhondda-based ice cream manufacturer, Subzero, has today revealed the Official Valleys Ice Cream, Taffy Afal, as it goes into production ahead of the bank holiday weekend. 

People from across south Wales submitted over 100 flavour ideas throughout July, from the wonderfully weird ‘Welsh Steak and Rhymney Ale, to the culturally refined, ‘Wimberries and Heather Honey.’

Three flavours, ‘Black Gold’ – chocolate with honeycomb chunks, ‘Pice ar y Maen’ – traditional welsh cake and ‘Taffy Afal’ – apple and toffee inspired by the south Wales Valleys, were shortlisted, produced and sampled at the National Eisteddfod, hosted in Ebbw Vale earlier this month. Votes were registered at the event and through ‘Love The Valleys’ social media channels to select the most popular flavour.

Capturing the imagination and taste buds of visitors, and with 43% of the votes, Taffy Afal, created by 46 year old mum Sue Walker from Cardiff, hit the production line at the Subzero Factory in Rhondda today, and will be distributed to nearly 60 cafés, restaurants and shops across south Wales over the next week.

Sue Walker, from the Heath area of Cardiff, said: “I was holiday in west Wales when I heard the news that I’d won, and I was trying not to jump up and down in case I broke the caravan! I’m absolutely over the moon. It’s not often you can say that you’ve created your very own ice cream.

“When I first heard about The Valleys ice cream competition, I thought of all the flavour combinations that I really like. I love toffee apples, besides from tasting great, they remind me of that feeling you get on a cold, crisp evening on bonfire night outside in The Valleys. For me, Taffy Afal has the feel good factor of walking and generally being in the great outdoors of The Valleys.”

Kevin Jenkins, Managing Director at the iconic Valleys ice cream maker, formerly known as Mr Creemy, said: “Subzero is delighted with the winning ice cream flavour and we’re proud to be producing the Official Valleys Ice Cream. Taffy Afal is innovative and original, it tastes great, and we’re excited for south Wales and beyond to enjoy it and have a taste of The Valleys.”

The Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration, Jocelyn Davies AM said: “Traditionally The Valleys area is better known for its heavy industries than for food production, but there are several companies in the area who produce top quality Welsh food and employ many people. 
“The suggested new flavours for the competition show the excellent range of ingredients that are available in The Valleys as well as the creativity of the people of south Wales. I congratulate Sue on her victory and look forward to trying the ‘Taffy Afal’ ice cream.”