Chef On The Run Foods' manufacture its range of deliciously scrumptious, sweet preserves in Hay-on-Wye. Hay-on-Wye is nestled amongst some of the finest Welsh countryside and is known as the literary centre of the universe.
Featuring an exciting array of flavours, from old favourites like Strawberry & Raspberry to zingy Grapefruit & Ginger and Nutty Orange Marmalade. With up to 30 great flavours to choose, there is something to tempt every taste and mood.
Chef On The Run Foods handmade jams, marmalades and chutneys are consistent winners of the Guild of Fine Foods Great Taste awards and need to be tasted to be really appreciated.
When Mike Carnell took a break from the kitchen he'd change his whites for running shoes and pound the pavements training for marathons. He became 'the running chef' to customers, which was apt since as a relief chef he would often prepare lunch at one restaurant then race to prepare dinner in another.
When an ankle injury put the brakes on his running four years ago Mike and his wife Rachel decided to start a preserves company, nostalgically named Chef on the Run Foods.
Hand made preserves, and in particular marmalade, had always been a favourite of Mike's and he saw there was a need for a local craft supplier. It helped that they could provide some of the fruit from the orchard attached to their house and source the rest from Rachel's father who has land nearby.
They now produce 31 different lines with some unusual fruit combinations such as rhubarb and blackcurrant.
"Often it's totally different fruits that seem to work together," said Mike. When you put those two together the blackcurrant becomes mellower and allows the taste of rhubarb through”.
"Some things don't work. Rachel is chief tester and getting that balance right is an important part of the business."
Two years ago they opened a tea shop at Hay on Wye. Customers can not only enjoy preserves which are produced in the town from local fruit, but purchase a jar to take away.
They have plans to expand by moving to a purpose-built production unit and producing lines like gift packs, but are adamant that the simple success formula won't change – its just local fruit, sugar and nothing else.
