Following the announcement from the First Minister last week Wales has begun its seventeen day ‘firebreak’ from Friday 23 October. This is  very hard news  for many food and drink businesses that have suffered so badly during and after  the first wave of the pandemic, but we all know difficult choices need to be made if we are to keep this vile disease under control.

We recognise that the current situation is very difficult and frustrating for thousands of businesses across the industry in Wales, but we are here to provide support and to continue to direct your concerns to the people that need to hear them the most. As ever, I encourage you to continue to communicate with me and other Board members to share your concerns, raise questions and help determine the best solutions during this time.

It is equally important businesses do not forget about the additional challenges that will hit the industry in January 2021. We know many businesses are pre-occupied with the current situation and ‘firebreak’ measures, but it is vital businesses continue to think ahead as we prepare for continuous change. We will do all in our power to bring you the latest information on EU Transition and to take your concerns and questions right to the heart of Government both in Wales and in Westminster.

For the latest on the coronavirus ‘firebreak’ rules for businesses, alongside guidance for the EU Transition period, please view the links below. We will continue to share the most up-to-date and relevant information in our newsletters alongside daily posting on our Twitter and LinkedIn channels. Be sure to also have a look at our new website with additional resources including previous webinar recordings and archived newsletters with relevant information.

Let’s continue to work together to ensure the food and drink industry in Wales continues to thrive now and, in the months, and years to come.

Andy Richardson, Chair of the Food and Drink Wales Industry Board

Latest on Covid-19 and EU transition for food and drink businesses

• Firebreak support: £300 million for Welsh businesses

• Coronavirus firebreak: frequently asked questions

• Covid-19 and Welsh tourism, hospitality and retail businesses: frequently asked questions

• The Board and Welsh Government’s Covid-19 Recovery Priorities Plan

• Job Support Scheme expanded to firms required to close due to Covid Restrictions

• Business Wales Brexit Portal

• Welsh Government: EU Transition Portal

• *Recently updated*: GOV.UK - Preparing your food and drink business for 1 January 2021

• DEFRA webinars for exporters of animals and products of animal origin to the EU

• The Border Operating Model – How the borders will work post-EU Transition

• Help and support if your business trades with the EU

Latest industry news

• Welsh Food and Drink category report 2020

• Enter your business in the Farm Shop and Deli Awards 2021

• Food conference puts North Wales producers on the same table

• Cardiff-based Korean sauce company picks up coveted food award

• Kepak Targets Welsh Apprenticeships To Upskill Its Workforce

• Cluster Support Leads to Award Success for Welsh Food & Drink Producers

• Taste North Wales hosts virtual tasting events with Welsh producers

• New logos for protected food and drink products unveiled

• Honey producer is buzzing with success at the Great Taste Awards

• MDA Innovation Business Network Event – November 4^th

• ‘Triple Challenge’ of a new world to dominate agenda of HCC Conference – November 10^th-12^th

• The Food People – Food and Beverage Annual Summit – November 24th

• Wales Real Food & Farming Conference goes virtual – November 16^th-19^th

Recent key actions from the Board

• The Board continues to promote the interests of Welsh food and drink businesses with Welsh Government and with Westminster on non-devolved issues as we approach the end of the EU Transition. This means we have daily meetings with key Government departments and officials to champion the issues that are important to welsh food and drink businesses.

• The Board continues to work on the delivery plan for the Covid-19 recovery strategy with a focus on eleven key topics including market intelligence, business advice, online sales, productivity and business resilience and risk management, added value, affordable finance, industry accreditation, retail plan, global trade sustainable business models and developing new skills.

• The Board continues to work with cluster groups on sustainable goal processes to be applied to more and more businesses and brands across Wales.

• The Board is in the process of interviewing new Board Members following our recruitment campaign to include a broader representation on the Board from different sectors and areas of expertise.

• The Board has continued to share links to information, support and toolkits via Twitter and LinkedIn as well as supporting with social media toolkits.

Welsh food and drink apprenticeship webinars for employers

Welsh food and drink apprenticeships are vital to the growth of new talent in the industry alongside providing additional training to those already experienced. Tailored apprenticeship schemes are designed around the needs of employers to help recruit and train staff – making it a key initiative for the sustainability of the industry.

Encouraging businesses to participate is the National Skills Academy for Food and Drink (NSAFD) which is currently working with Welsh dairy, meat and poultry, bakery, fresh produce and fish and shellfish sectors ensuring they have the right apprenticeships to meet their needs.

In October and November, the NSAFD will be hosting a series of webinar where employers will have the opportunity to recommend how the apprenticeships should be redeveloped and tailored for specific roles.

To find out when your sector-specific webinar is taking place and to sign up, visit https://nsafd.co.uk/news/food-drink-welsh-apprenticeship-reviews (Welsh with English below).

How food and drink businesses can prepare for PPDS labelling changes in time for next year

Any food that is prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) will need to display on the packaging or a label attached to it, the name of the food and a full ingredient list with allergen information emphasised from 1 October 2021 in Wales, England and Northern Ireland. The new laws will help protect food hypersensitive consumers.

PPDS is food which is packaged at the same place it is offered to customers and is in the packaging before it is ordered or selected. This can include salads and sandwiches that customers select themselves and pre-wrapped foods kept behind a counter.

The Food Standards Agency has produced new information and resources to help businesses prepare for the new laws. There’s an interactive guide to check what products will require the new labelling and a free updated FSA food allergy e-training tool which includes training on the new PPDS regulations.

Stay connected for updates on Twitter and LinkedIn. Join our Facebook Group to collaborate workforce. Get in touch with us via email at Chair.FDWIB@gov.wales