Deputy Minister for Farming and Food, Rebecca Evans, today welcomes a new Chair and two Vice-Chairs to the Food and Drink Wales Industry Board.
Established in 2014, the Board operates as the voice of the food and drink sector in Wales, providing direction, sharing vital information and ensuring we embed sustainability, profitability and food safety throughout the industry.
Following the decision by the former Chair, Robin Jones of the Village Bakery, to stand down to focus on further developing his successful business, the Deputy Minister today announced that Andy Richardson has been chosen to succeed Mr Jones, and that new two new Vice Chair positions have been created to help share responsibility in leading this key industry body. Those Vice Chairs are Justin Scale and David Lloyd.
The Deputy Minister said, “
The Food and Drink Action plan has been, and continues to be, about action and is predicated on partnership between government and industry.
“It is vital that a shared responsibility is developed between Government and industry and I expect the Board to work closely with us, and business, to create growth and jobs in every part of Wales.
“The food and drink industry is one of our largest business sectors, employing over 170,000 people. Supporting the industry to develop and move in positive new directions is a key priority for the Welsh Government with the aim of growing sales in the sector by 30% to £7 billion by the year 2020.”
The latest priority sector statistics for farming and food reported £5.8bn turnover which means that we have already achieved 11.5% growth since 2012-13.
Andy Richardson Head of Corporate Affairs at Volac, who chairs our Welsh Dairy Leadership Partnership, said
“I am delighted to be taking on the Chair of the Welsh Food & Drink Board. Our work will be challenging but I am confident that through working closely with both the Welsh Government and the wider industry the Board, will ensure Welsh Food & Drink develops its impact on domestic and international markets and its contribution to the Welsh economy”.
Justin Scale Managing Director, Capestone Organic Poultry Limited , and David Lloyd Director, Food Industry Centre, Cardiff Metropolitan University were voted in by members as new Vice Chairs and bring experience of working in the Food and Drink Industry.