Five successful applicants interested in pursuing a career in the food and drink industry were given a unique opportunity to gain an immersive insight into the sector from a commercial perspective at this year’s Royal Welsh Show.
As part of the Welsh Government’s Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales programme, a group of aspiring industry professionals took part in an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience within the Welsh Government Food Division’s prestigious Business Lounge and Product Showcase on the first floor of the Food Hall.
The experience provided rare access to the Food & Drink Wales Business Lounge, an invitation-only environment where buyers, suppliers and industry representatives came together to discuss business opportunities and discover new products. Home to more than 2,000 products from over 300 Welsh businesses, the showcase offered participants valuable insight into the scale, diversity and commercial success of the Welsh food and drink sector.
Guided by industry experts and working closely with the Welsh Government’s Food & Drink Trade Development Programme, participants explored key aspects of bringing Welsh products to market. Discussions covered a range of topics including branding, consumer insight, access to markets, collaborative partnerships and new product development, providing valuable insight into the strategic and commercial considerations that drive success within the food and drink industry.
Participants met representatives from buying teams and learned more about the journey products take from producer to retailer. They gained first-hand knowledge of the sales and negotiation processes that help Welsh products secure shelf space in major retailers and foodservice outlets.
The successful candidates, representing Coleg Cambria, Coleg Sir Gâr, Cardiff Metropolitan University and food and drink businesses from across Wales, were given a unique opportunity to experience the industry from a commercial perspective and build valuable sector connections.
Zeynep Yağmur İnci, Student at Cardiff Metropolitan University said:
"Attending the Royal Welsh Show was an incredibly inspiring experience and a valuable opportunity to connect with professionals from across the food and drink industry. Speaking with experts and learning more about the sector has strengthened my enthusiasm for pursuing a career in food science and given me a greater insight into the wide range of opportunities available. I left the event feeling motivated, encouraged, and excited about my future in the industry."
The group also toured the bustling Food Hall, meeting innovative producers from across Wales and experiencing the fast-paced environment of trading at one of the country’s largest agricultural events. The opportunity allowed participants to gain a deeper understanding of the relationships and commercial activity that drive the industry forward.
Robert Ayers, 5th Flock said:
"This unique experience provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow food and drink producers and gain fresh insights into the industry. As the founder of 5th Flock, creators of the UK’s first gin and spiced rum infused with sheep’s milk, I found it incredibly valuable to meet businesses from across the sector, share experiences, and learn from others’ journeys. One of the highlights for me was hearing more about the newly launched Dairy Sheep Wales Cluster and the exciting opportunities it offers to support innovation, collaboration, and growth within the Welsh dairy sheep industry. I left feeling inspired, informed, and optimistic about the future of this unique and growing sector."
This immersive experience was part of the Welsh Government Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales programme's ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of talent by showcasing the wide range of opportunities available within the Welsh food and drink industry and helping people build valuable industry connections.
Llyr Gruffydd, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Resilience and Sustainability said:
"Wales has a vibrant and ambitious food and drink industry, driven by the passion, innovation and expertise of the people working within it. The Royal Welsh Show provides an ideal platform to showcase the sector's success and the wealth of opportunities it offers.
"I am pleased that through the Welsh Government's Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales programme, these aspiring professionals were able to gain first-hand experience of the commercial side of the industry and build valuable connections with businesses from across Wales. Initiatives such as this are vital in inspiring and developing the next generation of talent, helping to ensure our food and drink sector has the skilled workforce it needs to thrive.
"Investing in people is key to this. By providing opportunities to learn directly from industry experts and successful businesses, we are helping to create a pipeline of skilled professionals who will support the continued growth of this important sector."