The impact of the unique climate of Wales on our crisps

Welsh weather may not always be the most enjoyable to be out and about in, but what it produces in terms of our landscapes, forests, coasts and the delicacies we can grow and eat at home, there’s no hiding its amazing influence.

With our own language, history, culture and cuisine, being Welsh already attracts a fairly distinctive lifestyle for those of us living in the rolling hills and cultured coasts of our land.

In fact, for our Jones o Gymru team, the unique nature of our weather not only influences our homes and habits, but also the very products we work with on a day-to-day basis. We’re indebted to the unique way our climate plays a crucial role in Welsh agriculture, which in turn affects how our local food is produced – especially our crisps.

So, just how does our climate impact the flavour profiles of the Jones o Gymru crisp?

Firstly, what exactly is ‘The Welsh Climate’?

No, the answer isn’t just ‘wet’.

Wales was indeed ‘wetter’ than the other countries of the United Kingdom in 2023 (although typically Scotland has the highest rainfall), but Wales is also generally warmer compared to the rest of the UK.

In particular, Wales is both wetter and warmer through the winter – helpful for sustaining crops - as a result of our proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

The combination of the Atlantic winds (that bring in moisture to the land), the mass of water in the Atlantic Ocean (that holds heat better than land) and the mountainous terrain of Eryri (that causes vapor to condense and result in rain), means we experience higher rainfalls, the generation of the lush green landscape and an overall cooler and milder climate.

How the weather (and soil) impacts Wales’ agriculture

These milder winters and cool, moist summers naturally produce the ideal conditions for growing potatoes. In particular, the cooler temperatures alongside regular rainfalls help to maintain soil moisture and keep a careful balance between a well-nourished crop and flooded crop – all while avoiding the worst of the dangerous winter frosts.

It's not just the weather though that has an impact on the growing conditions. The unique soil composition of Wales also contributes to its success.

Welsh soil is high in carbon compared to the European average which makes for better potato growth and often contributes to high organic soil matter – another factor that can help fuel the growth of any successful crop.

These days a lot of science goes in to assessing the suitability of land for crops in order to identify areas where either climactic conditions or soil characteristics would limit crop production.

This includes making the most out of seasonal production cycles as, depending on the time of year, the potatoes used to make our crisps can be sourced from farms on Anglesey, Pembrokeshire or Monmouthshire in order to maximise our output.

There’s also a focus on sustainability in Wales these days which can help lead to the production of high-quality and fresh ingredients over a longer period of time. The Sustainable Farming Scheme is due to be introduced to the UK in 2026, which includes practices like; reduced tillage, cover cropping and hydroponics to help long-term agricultural sustainability amidst the dangers of climate change.

What about Climate Change?

We couldn’t talk about the influence of our Welsh climate without mentioning the ever-growing cloud of climate change emerging on the horizon. So, how might this affect our future?

Firstly, we can actually start with a positive.

Increases in atmospheric CO₂ concentration could result in more favourable growing conditions of potato crops by increasing the resource efficiency of solar radiation, water and nitrogen.

However, drier summers (with a reduced rainfall) or extreme weather (like storms and flooding) which are more probable with climate change, could knock crops back. It’s vital that the amounts and timings of the application of water and fertiliser are well managed to sustain effective potato production.

Rainfall in March 2024 was up 27% compared to average and this formed part of the second wettest 8-month period in over 100 years, which highlights the dangers of extreme weather.

If this continues, the negative effects for our crops could result in; potatoes in the ground long after their designated harvest date, a smaller crop size than before, crops needing to be re-sown and tougher conditions for harvesting (including difficulties using tractors and heavy machinery on sodden Earth).

How does the climate affect crisp flavours?

So, we know the weather can affect where and how well a crop might grow best – but can it influence flavour too?

Although there are no comprehensive results that fully determine whether subtle changes can affect a potato’s flavour, we do know that water can have a great impact on the flavour profile whether through over-irrigation or a lack of soil nutrients - preventing a crop from fulfilling that rich taste.

As potatoes like good draining then any flooding can seriously negatively impact a crop, and studies on other fruits and vegetables have shown higher temperatures can also have a negative impact on their outcomes. In some cases this has led fruits to mature earlier (resulting in reduced flavour and nutrient content), while others that have been impacted by a higher CO₂ level have seen changed taste profiles – i.e. grapes that developed a more ‘acidic’ taste.

For our Jones o Gymru crisps the flavour comes not only from our potatoes, but from our locally-sourced flavourings that adorn each crunchy mouthful.

We’re indebted to the rich Atlantic Ocean and Welsh rainfall to provide the incredible sea salt flavours from the coastline of Anglesey from our friends at Halen Môn, while the milk produced from the lush green grass of the South Caernarfon Creameries helps deliver the award-winning Dragon cheddar that powers our Mature Cheese & Onion crisps.

Even the rapeseed oil we use from Blodyn Aur in producing our popcorn is grown from the hills above Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr in Conwy – and relies on the unique climate and soil composition available in our corner of North Wales.

Experience the taste of Wales in every bite

We couldn’t be prouder to help deliver a local snack that embodies the spirit and taste of Wales, all while supporting our local community and farming industries.

This partnership between our local farmers and our team ensures that the benefits of the Welsh climate are captured in every bite of Jones o Gymru crisps - whether it’s the earthy undertones of the potatoes or the freshness of our locally sourced seasonings.

There’s no doubt in our minds that the unique combination of our Welsh weather and rolling landscapes have played a major role in not only helping with the production, but also the flavour of our delicious crisps. It’s really no wonder we celebrate both of these in the designs on each one of our crisp packets.

If, through reading this blog, you’ve been driven to explore your culinary cravings and think you have a great idea to share, we’re always on the lookout for more inspiring new local flavour combinations to join our lines, so please contact our team and potentially influence another Welsh masterpiece!