Halen Môn - Anglesey Sea Salt
With funding from Project HELIX, the Food Technology Centre was able to support the business by reviewing their HACCP process.
BACKGROUND
On the edge of the Menai Strait in Anglesey, an innovative food production business began in 1997 when entrepreneurs Alison Lea-Wilson and Nicki Hughes left a pan of seawater bubbling on the Aga. They uncovered the exceptional sea salt that has become known as Halen Môn and has since earnt the Protected Designation of Origin status.
Today the sea salt is enjoyed around the world by chefs, food lovers and even former US president Barack Obama, who presented guests at the White House with chocolate gifts made with Halen Môn. It has also been served at the London 2012 Olympics, political summits and royal weddings and is a vital ingredient in Green & Blacks chocolate and Piper’s Crisps.
Along with over 100 of the nation’s best delicatessens in the UK, they also supply Marks and Spencer, Waitrose and Harvey Nichols. The sea salt can be found in more than 22 countries across the globe as well as on the tables of some of the world’s top restaurants like The Fat Duck.
SUPPORT RECEIVED FROM THE CENTRE
With funding from Project HELIX, the Food Technology Centre was able to support the business by reviewing their HACCP process (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points).
Halen Môn was assigned with a food technologist who conducted a full review of their HACCP plans against BRCGS Issue 9 standard, which included an on-site audit to check the process flows.
Any gaps were then highlighted in their HACCP plans and the Food Technology Centre made recommendations and gave guidance as to how to improve their HACCP plans in line with the requirements of the BRCGS standard.
BENEFITS OF THE SUPPORT
Alison Lea-Wilson MBE, Managing Director of Halen Môn said, “We were very pleased with the help and support we received from the Food Technology Centre. There are very rigorous processes to meet to supply the best delicatessens, supermarkets and restaurants not only in the UK but across the world so it is imperative that we have the correct certification.
“Retaining our BRCGS Accreditation means that our business can continue to grow and meet our suppliers’ needs.”
