Welsh Government support via Cywain Accelerator Programme is driving trade-ready start-ups toward new markets
Wales’ newest food and drink businesses are making their mark with products that fuse craft, creativity and commercial ambition.
Many of these were on display in October 2025 at Blas Cymru / Taste Wales, where buyers from across the world visited a fantastic platform for these emerging brands to tell their story and secure orders. From bold new drinks to smart kitchen staples, a diverse range of new businesses were on display alongside more established Welsh food and drink brands, helping secure more than £45 million in potential sales for the industry.
At the heart of the growth in food and drink start-ups is the Welsh Government funded Cywain Accelerator Programme, an initiative designed to help businesses become trade-ready to supply retail and foodservice.
Delivered in collaboration with the Food & Drink Wales Trade Development Programme, the focus is on supporting sustainable growth and resilience for the businesses taking part. The programme equips business founders to refine their mission, sharpen category insight, and pitch confidently to buyers, support that proved instrumental for many ‘Rising Stars’ this year. With new Accelerator cohorts due to emerge in January and February 2026, the pipeline of talented producers shows no sign of slowing.
Among the 31 ‘Rising Star’ companies celebrated for their creativity and ambition are Black Tar Brewing and Sip Syrup.
Black Tar Brewing, based in Llangwm, Pembrokeshire, is redefining refreshment with Siândy, a modern twist on the classic lager shandy. Crafted from locally brewed Welsh beer blended with sugar-free lemonade, Siândy offers a lighter, low-ABV option that champions sustainability and local flavour. Their innovative approach has been turning heads recently, earning them valuable buyer interest.
Commenting Alex Llewellyn, Founder and Director of Black Tar Brewing said,
“Blas Cymru / Taste Wales was an incredible experience for us. We met some amazing people and made real business connections. We’ve already generated strong leads, including two national supermarket chains and an online grocer who have begun the process of onboarding us as suppliers. We’re also in regular contact with the Loungers group to explore supplying their Welsh locations.
The showcase gave us invaluable exposure to buyers actively looking for new listings and distinctive products, and Cywain’s Accelerator Programme gave us the confidence and clarity to pitch like a brand ready for shelves. It’s not just about having a great product, it’s about understanding the market, telling your story, and showing buyers you’re serious about growth.”
Another company who were showcasing at Blas Cymru / Taste Wales as part of the ‘Rising Stars’ cohort was Sip Syrup. Based in Cardigan, they create additive-free syrups made from natural, sustainable ingredients.
Designed for versatility in drinks and mixers, the brand launched its concept at the event and has since gained traction with flavours like caramel, vanilla, and hazelnut — all aimed at elevating everyday beverages. Their journey reflects the entrepreneurial spirit driving Wales’ next generation of food and drink producers.
Rhodri Jones, founder of Sip Syrup said,
“As a young and aspirational brand, we first launched our concept at the Blas Cymru / Taste Wales Conference in 2024, then we showcased it at the Farm Shop & Deli Show, and we were proud to be recognised as a ‘Rising Star’ at Blas Cymru / Taste Wales Brokerage in 2025.
We wanted to prove the concept in front of discerning buyers, which we did. We attended the Cywain Accelerator workshops which were intense but very practical, as covered topics included finance, HR, buyer expectations, and the craft of pitching. That grounding turned curiosity into real interest for Sip Syrup.”
Welsh Government’s delivery of Blas Cymru / Taste Wales creates a golden opportunity for emerging producers to meet qualified buyers, open distribution conversations and scale responsibly. In parallel, Cywain nurtures early-stage entrepreneurs with structured mentoring and live pitching, ensuring a steady pipeline of innovative businesses ready for retail.
The Welsh Government’s Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs Huw Irranca-Davies MS said:
“Wales’ food and drink entrepreneurs are building brands that buyers want and consumers love. By pairing world-class showcases with hands-on preparation through Welsh Government projects such as the Cywain Accelerator Programme, we’re turning potential into performance, resulting in more orders, new markets, and sustainable growth for Welsh producers.
This is about creating opportunities that last and helping businesses thrive on a global stage.”
Joining the Cywain Accelerator Programme is a competitive application process (with nearly 50 applicants last year) and is now closed for 2026. For more information about the Cywain Accelerator Programme 2027 and Cywain's wider support please contact Nerys Davies on nerys.davies@mentera.cymru.