Fresh from their St David’s Day celebrations, Welsh food and drink companies are now gearing up for one of the most important events in the calendar, the annual International Food and Drink event (IFE), held in London towards the end of the month (22-25 March).
The past year has been an exceptional one for the industry in Wales with the value of food and drink exports exceeding £300 million and the future looks exceedingly bright.
Highlights to look out for at IFE this year are a new juicy water range, healthy diabetic ice cream, new mushroom marmalades from one of last year’s Great Taste gold medal winners and a delicious drinking chocolate paste.
The Food and Drink Wales stand, supported by the Welsh Government, will this year feature 35 companies, one of the largest delegations ever at the event. Deputy Minister for Farming and Food Rebecca Evans will be in attendance and will host a reception at IFE on Monday 23 March. She says,
“The Welsh food and drink sector plays a key role in developing the Welsh economy and this is reflected in the growth of our export market over the past 12 months. Our Food and Drink Action Plan underpins our aspirations for the industry and our continued support to producers at events such as IFE is proof of our commitment.
“The recent announcement that a judging stage for the Great Taste Awards is to be held in Wales will bring another exciting period for our industry and I hope the undoubted quality of our produce will once again feature extensively in the awards.”
The Patchwork Traditional Food Company struck gold at last year’s Great Taste Awards with its Red Pesto Pate and they have new products coming out this year as Managing Director Rufus Carter explains,
“This year we’re excited to be launching a new collection of mushroom marmalades. These are sweetly sublime relishes that have some wonderful ingredients such as shiitake mushrooms and caramelised onions, a great enhancement to any meal or enjoy them simply on their own with toast.
“Our Golden Fork award last year at the Great Taste Awards has spurred us on and the recent news that we’re one of three Welsh companies, along with Halen Môn and Coconut Kitchen, named in the top 50 UK Food Stars, highlights the fantastic quality in the sector. I’d encourage any visitors to IFE to come to the Wales stand and see what’s on offer.”
IFE 2015 will be held in London from 22-25 March with 35 Welsh businesses in attendance on the Food and Drink Wales stand.