The Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths has thanked independent food and drink sellers who have kept local supply chains flowing and supported NHS staff during the ongoing pandemic.

While many businesses – particularly cafes and restaurants – have had to stop trading during lockdown, many other businesses have responded to increased demand as self-isolating customers have changed their shopping habits.

Long-running food markets and similar businesses have taken to increasing their online sales in order to keep business going - while others have joined together to provide free meals to NHS staff and vulnerable people; including through the Feed the NHS Wales campaign.

With the hospitality and holiday sectors in limbo, Bubbleton Farm Shop, situated just two miles from Tenby, just past Penally on the Manorbier Road, has gone back to its roots, putting the emphasis on providing fresh local produce.

To meet the requirements of social distancing, Bubbleton Farm has introduced a drive -through option for its customers, with payment made remotely. They also operate a local delivery service.

Owner Tom Evans, whose family have been farming at Bubbleton Farm for five generations, said: “It’s a simple system. People drive up, choose what they want from the display board, place their order and pay, and then wait for us to gather the items and put them in their car boot.

“We are now using our farm café as the picking area for orders.”

As well as a variety of local bakery, meat and dairy products, the shop has also added items such as breakfast cereals and soap.

Tom added: “We are so grateful for our customers’ support, which has enabled us to keep our staff busy and to stay open. We have some wonderful, loyal customers, and hopefully, when the current situation is over, we will have gained some more.”

Another Pembrokeshire producer MamGu Welshcakes - is now focusing its attention on online sales, and ways to support the community.

Founded by friends Becky Hood and Thea Noble, MamGu Welshcakes of Solva, had to temporarily close their coffee shop for lockdown, and put their plans to expand the business on hold.

Thea said: “The online store is keeping us alive. It has become the heartbeat of our business and has helped us to keep our seasonal staff employed.”

“For £1, customers can donate a Welshcake. We have been sending boxes of Welshcakes to hospitals, specialist units, surgeries, and care homes locally and all over the UK.

“We started Welshcake donations last year, but it has become more poignant now. We are sending out two boxes a week supporting people working on the front line, and we’ve had some lovely thank you letters from staff.”

Lesley Griffiths, Welsh Government Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, said: “These are very difficult times for all businesses, but I am delighted to see there are those in Wales’ food and drink sector who have been able to continue trading, and have been able to adapt so they can continue to serve customers, and support the NHS.

“I want to thank all of those involved for their hard work – this has been a huge effort for many in terms of logistics, and it is very pleasing to note that as well as furloughed staff returning to volunteer their time where they can, some firms have also been able to take on extra staff.

“There are businesses throughout Wales showing the ingenuity, adaptability and dedication to local communities, for which Wales’ food sector is recognised.

“We know this isn’t an option for many businesses, but it is good to see that in many cases, there are those who haven’t had to call a complete stop to their business, and Welsh producers, restaurants and sellers can continue to serve their communities during these trying times.”

The Minister added: “I would also ask members of the public to continue to support their local food producers, suppliers and sellers where they can – many will continue to provide services such as produce boxes or lunches through deliveries, and will welcome the support of their communities during this time.”