As the highlight of the agricultural calendar opens its doors this week, Food and Drink Wales has released figures demonstrating the event continues to be a crucial place for the industry when it comes to meeting retailers and sealing potentially lucrative deals.
Figures released today, following a 12 month tracking exercise, show that sales totalling £1.4 million can be directly attributed to business relationships developed from the Food and Drink Wales business lounge during the 2015 event.
Not resting on their laurels Food and Drink Wales aims to offer further opportunities this year in the Business Lounge for those companies interested in showcasing their products to leading retailers and trade buyers from across the UK.
Edwards of Conwy was one business which benefitted in 2015:
“Royal Welsh Week has always been a great place to meet colleagues and friends. But thanks to the support received by the Food and Drink Wales team last year we managed to secure a significant deal that allowed us to develop our business further and increase sales of our luxury sausages and burgers. Hopefully we can build on it this year.”
Other companies which secured similar opportunities included Llaeth y Llan and Puffin Produce both of which secured deals with the Co-op thanks to initial meetings organised with trade buyers.
This year Food and Drink Wales has seen a record number of food businesses interested in engaging with trade buyers during the week.
Commenting on the trade work being delivered at the Food Hall’s business lounge, Lesley Griffiths AM, the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, said:
“Our work during Royal Welsh Week plays a crucial part within our wider trade development work. It is a key event that attracts buyers from far and wide and it is important we take full advantage of such opportunities. It does help, of course, when we have such fantastic produce to showcase.”