News and events

Welsh food and drink producers have recently returned from Gulfood, Dubai (13 – 17 February 2022), the first international trade exhibition attended by the Food Division in two years due to Covid-19 restrictions. The trade show provided companies with the chance to showcase their products to a host of buyers and distributors on a face-to-face basis once again, showing they are still open for business and looking to secure new export opportunities in the region...

Budweiser apprentices have met Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths and spoken about the benefits of embarking on an apprenticeship with the company. On a visit to the Senedd during Apprenticeship Week Wales, 10 of the drinks brand’s apprentices discussed their work at the Magor site and their hopes for the future. Apprenticeship Week Wales is a celebration of the hard work and dedication of apprentices and the support and commitment shown by their employers. Earlier...

A desire to protect and enhance the bee and pollinator population in Wales has led to an innovative project between two seemingly disparate businesses. Although drawn from different parts of the food industry, Ellis Eggs Ltd and Bee Welsh Honey have a common desire to boost the fortunes of bees and pollinators and highlight their vital impact on the environment. Jason Ellis, owner of the Hirwaun-based egg company, and Builth Wells bee farmer Shane Llewelyn-Jones...

Welsh food and drink producers will be showcasing their products in Dubai in February at Gulfood, one of the world’s largest food and drink trade exhibitions. The event marks a significant opportunity for Welsh businesses in the sector to travel to a major global event. Gulfood is a five-day event held between 13-17 February at the Dubai World Trade Centre. It will feature international brands displaying their latest food and drink products and services. The...

As the Sustainable Scale Up Cluster heads towards its first year anniversary, we’re delighted to have signed up our 50th business member. Under the guidance of the Regional Cluster Manager for south west Wales, Andrew Macpherson, the 50th business to join the Cluster is north Pembrokeshire based The Welsh Saucery, who create artisan sauces to complement Welsh produce. Co-owner Steve Lewis comments “We are thrilled to be accepted into the Sustainable Scale Up Cluster and...

The Welsh Government is developing a Community Food Strategy. We’d like to hear from those already involved in community food projects/enterprises in Wales, to understand what community food means to you, and to learn about your experience of being involved in Community Food projects/enterprises. This is not a formal consultation and there will be further opportunities to engage. We would be grateful for your input through this short survey. It should take no longer than...

BlasCymru/TasteWales 2021 has already helped identify an estimated £14m in new and potential business deals for Welsh food and drink businesses, according to initial feedback. The event which took place in October at the ICCW in Newport provided an opportunity to showcase food and drink from Wales. More than 100 food and drink businesses from Wales took part with 21 of these being established during the Covid pandemic. In total, 1,695 Covid-secure meetings took place...

Cilgwenyn Bee Farm in Carmarthenshire was recently announced as the winner of the Speciality & Fine Food Fair Rising Sustainability Star Award due to its holistic approach to business after transforming a disused coal mine into a brand new bee farm offering carbon neutral honey. Based in Llangennech, Rhodri Owen and Richard Jones began their commercial business back in 2010 after keeping bees for many years beforehand. They now produce award-winning, great tasting Welsh raw...

As Christmas approaches newbie cheesemaker Clare Jones can reflect on a vintage year for her award-winning Trefaldwyn Blue cheese. It has been a whirlwind few months for the Montgomery teacher-turned cheesemaker who only a few weeks ago took home the award for the best Welsh cheese at the World Cheese Awards, held in Spain. The world award is the pinnacle of a fantastic six months, during which Trefaldwyn Blue has also received two stars at...

Not only does eating food that's in season mean fresher and tastier ingredients, it's also great for the environment. Shopping for food in season means it's more affordable with an abundance of it available right on your doorstep.